ambivalence

am·biv·a·lence

noun \am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s\

Definition of AMBIVALENCE

1

:  simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

2

a :  continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

b :  uncertainty as to which approach to follow

— am·biv·a·lent \-lənt\ adjective

— am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb

Origin of AMBIVALENCE

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1909

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

am·biv·a·lence

noun \am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of AMBIVALENCE

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action <ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion—G. S. Blum>

—am·biv·a·lent \-lənt\ adjective

—am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb