adj.
- relating to, done by, or occurring in the mind.
- relating to disorders or illnesses of the mind.
▸informal mad; crazy.
Derivative
Usage
The use of mental in compounds such as mental hospital was the normal accepted term in the first half of the 20th century. It is now, however, regarded as old-fashioned, sometimes even offensive, and has been largely replaced by psychiatric.
Etymology
ME: from late L. mentalis, from L. mens, ment- ‘mind’.