Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun informal, dated neurasthenia

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

American +‎ -itis, because Americans were said to be particularly prone to the condition. Popularised by William James.

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Examples

  • It may be suggested, in passing, that one of the causes of "Americanitis" is this increasing nervous strain in family relation, acting especially upon woman.

    Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation Between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution 1898

  • And now we suffer from "Americanitis" in all its unlimited varieties.

    Power Through Repose Annie Payson Call 1896

  • "It tires me so to see people" is heard often, not only from those who are under the full influence of "Americanitis," but from many who are simply hovering about its borders.

    Power Through Repose Annie Payson Call 1896

  • We have been, as a nation, inclined toward "Americanitis" for so long now that children and children's children have inherited a sense of rush, and they suffer intensely from it with a perfectly clear understanding of the fact that they have nothing whatever to hurry about.

    Nerves and Common Sense Annie Payson Call 1896

  • "Americanitis," it prevents the perfect use of all our powers.

    Power Through Repose Annie Payson Call 1896

  • Will Kimbrough "Americanitis" @ Southgate House www. reverbnation.com www. myspace.com Will Kimbrough performs "Americanitis" with Paul Griffith (Drums) and Jay Johnson (Bass) @ The Historic

    WN.com - Business News 2010

  • Will Kimbrough "Americanitis" @ Southgate House www. reverbnation.com www. myspace.com Will Kimbrough performs "Americanitis" with Paul Griffith (Drums) and Jay Johnson (Bass) @ The Historic

    WN.com - Business News 2010

  • Will Kimbrough "Americanitis" @ Southgate House www. reverbnation.com www. myspace.com Will Kimbrough performs "Americanitis" with Paul Griffith

    WN.com - Business News 2010

  • The 19th-century philosopher William James reportedly called neurasthenia, from which he claimed to suffer himself, "Americanitis," in part the result of the accelerating pace of American life.

    RutlandHerald.com 2010

  • The 19th-century philosopher William James reportedly called neurasthenia, from which he claimed to suffer himself, "Americanitis," in part the result of the accelerating pace of American life.

    NYT > Home Page 2010

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