SINCE 1828

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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

See double bind defined for English-language learners

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

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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

See words that rhyme with double bind Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for double bind

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Examples: double bind in a Sentence