tourette's syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Clinical, academic, formal, sometimes journalistic
Quick answer
What does “tourette's syndrome” mean?
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
A genetic, neurodevelopmental condition, typically emerging in childhood, involving motor and vocal tics that can range from mild to severe, often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like ADHD or OCD.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the term itself. Spelling follows national conventions for the possessive apostrophe-s ('Tourette's' in both).
Connotations
Identical medical connotations. In informal contexts, potential for the same derogatory or misinformed metaphorical use exists in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in general discourse, identical high frequency in neurological/psychiatric contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tourette's syndrome” in a Sentence
[Patient] has/ was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome.Tourette's syndrome is characterized by [symptoms].[Treatment/therapy] for Tourette's syndrome.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tourette's syndrome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not a standard verb form]
American English
- [Not a standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverb form]
American English
- [Not a standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The Tourette's diagnosis was confirmed.
- He gave a talk on Tourette's research.
American English
- She is a leading Tourette's syndrome specialist.
- Tourette's awareness campaigns are important.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR contexts discussing workplace accommodations for employees.
Academic
Common in medical, psychological, and neuroscientific literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing health, disabilities, or in misinformed/joking contexts.
Technical
Precise term in neurology, psychiatry, and pediatrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tourette's syndrome”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tourette's syndrome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tourette's syndrome”
- Misspelling: 'Tourettes' (missing apostrophe), 'Tourette', 'Turet's'. Mispronunciation: /tuːˈrɛt/ instead of /tʊˈrɛts/. Using it as a casual adjective ('That's so Tourette's').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Transient tic disorders are common. Tourette's syndrome is a specific diagnosis requiring both motor and vocal tics present for over a year, onset before age 18.
Tics are generally involuntary, but many individuals can sometimes suppress them briefly with conscious effort, often leading to a rebound increase later.
No. Coprolalia (involuntary uttering of obscenities) affects only a minority (estimated around 10%) of people with Tourette's.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed through behavioural therapies (like CBIT), medication, and in some severe cases, deep brain stimulation. Symptoms often improve in late adolescence/adulthood.
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Tourette's syndrome is usually clinical, academic, formal, sometimes journalistic in register.
Tourette's syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /tʊˈrɛts ˌsɪndrəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /təˈrɛts ˌsɪndroʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for a medical condition. Informal, offensive misuse: 'He was swearing like he had Tourette's.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TOUching and ouRETTES' – it involves touching/rubbing tics and is named after Tourette.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND/BODY AS A MACHINE WITH A FAULTY INHIBITOR: A neurological circuit that fails to suppress involuntary commands.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common misconception about Tourette's syndrome?