PsychologyAugust 10, 2026

misophonia

miss-oh-FOH-nee-uh

Definition

A condition characterized by an extreme, often uncontrollable, emotional or physical reaction to specific everyday sounds, such as chewing or lip-smacking.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'misos' (hatred) and 'phōnē' (sound), the term was coined in the early 2000s to describe a specific sound-aversion disorder.

In the news

The article uses misophonia as an example of a sensory processing condition to illustrate how brain function can significantly differ from the norm and impact social interactions.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: Understanding neurodivergence and mental well-being

Read the full article ↗

Lexington County Chronicle

Related words

chromesthesia

A sensory processing condition in which a person involuntarily perceives specific colors…

Psychology

charlatans

People who falsely claim to have special knowledge, skills, or noble intentions, often to…

Psychology

logotherapy

A form of psychotherapy that focuses on the human search for meaning as the primary…

Psychology

morchas

Organized wings, fronts, or specialized units of a political party or organization,…

Psychology

The essential or characteristic customs, social norms, and moral standards of a…

Psychology

polity

The body of citizens considered as a whole, or the organized political structure of a…

Psychology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.