amnesia

am·ne·sia

noun \am-ˈnē-zhə\

Definition of AMNESIA

1

: loss of memory due usually to brain injury, shock, fatigue, repression, or illness

2

: a gap in one's memory

3

: the selective overlooking or ignoring of events or acts that are not favorable or useful to one's purpose or position

— am·ne·si·ac \-zhē-ˌak, -zē-\ or am·ne·sic \-zik, -sik\ adjective or noun

Origin of AMNESIA

New Latin, from Greek amnēsia forgetfulness, alteration of amnēstia

First Known Use: 1618

Other Psychology Terms

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