double bind
noun
Definition of double bind
: a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a single source conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made; broadly : dilemma 2
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of double bind in a Sentence
the double bind faced by every politician: responding to scurrilous charges only gives them unwarranted publicity; not responding to such charges is often interpreted as an admission of guilt
First Known Use of double bind
1956
DOUBLE BIND Defined for English Language Learners
double bind
noun
Definition of double bind for English Language Learners
-
: a very difficult situation that has no good solution
Medical Dictionary
double bind
play
noun
dou·ble bind
\ˈdəb-əl-ˈbīnd\
Medical Definition of double bind
: a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a single source conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made
Learn More about double bind
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up double bind? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!