Abnormal

Abnormal

Alternative forms

normal

(obsolete) abnormous

Etymology

From ab- +‎ normal. First attested in 1835, replacing the earlier anormal and even earlier abnormous,[1] from Latin abnormis (“departing from normal”), from either (ab- (“away from”) + norma (“rule, norm”)),[2] or Ancient Greek ἀνώμαλος (anṓmalos)[3].

Adjective

• Not conforming to rule or system; deviating from the usual or normal type. [First attested around the mid 19th century.]
• Of or pertaining to that which is irregular, in particular, behaviour that deviates from norms of social propriety or accepted standards of mental health. [First attested around the early 20th century.][4]

Synonyms

(not conforming to rule or system; deviating from type): aberrant, anomalous, atypical, exceptional, extraordinary, irregular, preternatural, strange, unusual.

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