abnormal

ab-nor-mal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying.

  2. 2.

    (Psychology) Relating to behavior or mental states that deviate from accepted norms.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    abnormal psychology — The branch of psychology studying unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought.
  • •
    abnormal behavior — Conduct that deviates significantly from social norms.

Related words

Antonyms: normal, regular, standard, typical
See also: anomaly, atypical, normal, unusual
Synonyms: anomalous, atypical, deviant, irregular, unusual

Etymology

From Latin abnormis ("irregular, unusual"), from ab- ("away from") + norma ("rule, pattern"), with the English suffix -al.