1. plural of hypochondriac; people who excessively worry about their health and believe they have serious illnesses when they do not
Usage: countable noun; often used in medical or psychological contexts

Examples

• Many hypochondriacs spend hours researching symptoms on the internet.
• The doctor explained that hypochondriacs often misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of serious disease.
• Support groups help hypochondriacs manage their anxiety about health.
• Hypochondriacs frequently visit emergency rooms despite having no actual medical emergency.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective for treating hypochondriacs.
• Not all hypochondriacs are aware that their concerns are disproportionate to their actual health status.