autism
AW-tiz-uhm/ˈɔːtɪzəm/
- 1A lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world, in many different ways.
Like having a brain that is wired in a different way, so the world looks, sounds, and feels different.
Her son was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old.
Many children with autism find loud, crowded places very hard to handle.
UsageSay diagnosed with autism. The adjective is autistic: an autistic child.
Note
- 2A habit of pulling away into your own private daydreams, once seen by doctors as a sign of mental illness.
Note
Less common meaning
- 3Stubborn, obsessive focus paired with little awareness of yourself and anger at any criticism, used as an insult.
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Origin
From German Autismus, made from the Ancient Greek word autós, meaning "self".
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- English autism was borrowed from German Autismus. en.wiktionary.org
- Autismus derives from Ancient Greek autós, meaning "self". en.wiktionary.org