psych·asthenia \(|)sīk+\noun Etymology: New Latin, from psych- + asthenia : a state of characterological weakness such that one feels unable to resolve doubts or uncertainties or to resist phobias, obsessions, or compulsions even though aware of their irrational nature < most cases formerly classed as psychasthenia are today considered psychoneuroses > • psychasthenicadjective or noun