nervous breakdown

plural nervous breakdowns

1. An attack of a psychological disorder such as anxiety or depression which is so severe that it prevents a person from continuing to function normally.

   1887, George Gissing, Thyrza There was organic disease, and there was what is vaguely called nervous breakdown; it was too clear that Mr. Newthorpe must count upon very moderate activity either of mind or body henceforth.

   1 more example

   1915, P. G. Wodehouse, Something New ...will you kindly think up at your earliest convenience some plan for politely ejecting this Mr Chalmers of yours from our humble home?--because if you don't, I'm going to have a nervous breakdown.

   Synonyms: meltdown, mental breakdown

2. PhilippinesA psychological disorder usually characterized by panic attacks and aggressiveness, related to the Hispanic ataque de nervios.