catastrophizer, n.
Brit. /kəˈtastrəfʌɪzə/, U.S. /kəˈtæstrəˌfaɪzər/
Forms: 19– catastrophiser, 19– catastrophizer
[In sense 1 <catastrophe n. + -izer suffix, after catastrophism n. In sense 2 <catastrophize v. + -er suffix1.]
1. = catastrophist n. rare.
| 1902 J. Fiske Ess. Hist. & Lit. II. ix. 265 The difficulty with the catastrophizers was that while talking glibly about millions of years, they had not stopped to consider what is meant by a million years when it takes the shape of work accomplished. |
2. A person who perceives adversity or illness as more serious than it actually is; a pessimist.
| 1987 Record (Bergen County, New Jersey) 7 Apr. a21/6 Catastrophizer, worries excessively and constantly about making errors, being audited, paying too much. 1997 Prevention (Electronic ed.) Oct. 31 A catastrophizer sees herself as a victim of her illness, with no control of the situation. 1999 RN 62 89/2 Researchers have found that such catastrophizers may actually suffer more intense pain and greater occupational disability. |