Disease vs Disorder
Although often used interchangeably, disease and disorder are not the same thing. Many people are not aware of this distinction and tend to use the terms interchangeably. However, they have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Disease is typically used to describe a state of sickness, while disorder, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is defined as “an illness that disrupts normal physical or mental functions.” Disorder can also be used to mean “a state of confusion.”
What does Disease mean?
Disease is a term commonly used to describe a state of sickness. For example:
Francis got his disease cured by the advice of the doctor.
Angela suffers from a dreadful disease.
In both sentences, disease is used to convey a sense of sickness or feeling unwell. The term disease can also be used to describe a negative quality or disposition affecting a person or group of people, as in:
The Nazis suffered from the disease of hatred towards Jews.
What does Disorder mean?
Disorder refers to an illness that disrupts normal physical or mental functions. Examples include:
Francis suffers from a peculiar mental disorder that makes him extremely claustrophobic.
Angela suffers from a rare skin disorder.
In these sentences, disorder is used to describe a condition that interferes with normal functioning. Various physical and mental disorders, such as hives, anemia, and piles, can disrupt normal physical and mental functions. In addition to its medical meaning, disorder can also be used to describe a state of confusion, as in:
After a body was discovered in the pool, the party was in disorder.
Key Takeaways
- Disease typically refers to a state of sickness or illness, while disorder refers to an illness that disrupts normal physical or mental functions.
- Disease can also refer to a negative quality affecting a person or group of people.
- Disorder can also be used to describe a state of confusion.
