Definition of ambivalence
1 : simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action felt ambivalence toward his powerful father ambivalence toward marriage
2a : continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)b : uncertainty as to which approach to follow ambivalence about their goals
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Recent Examples of ambivalence from the Web
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Even the girl does not fully understand her ambivalence.
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Throughout, Trump has continued to telegraph his ambivalence, refusing to commit one way or another during his first overseas trip this month.
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And, at a White House press conference in February with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump himself expressed ambivalence about Palestinian statehood.
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Sergeant also expressed ambivalence about antispammers sharing their tactics so openly.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ambivalence'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of ambivalence
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use: 1909
Other Psychology Terms
Medical Dictionary
ambivalence
playMedical 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
ambivalently
adverbLearn More about ambivalence
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Spanish Central: Translation of ambivalence Nglish: Translation of ambivalence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ambivalence for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ambivalence
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