double bind

noun

: a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a single source conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made
broadly : dilemma sense 1

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This creates a double bind: Officials have an obligation to warn people at risk, yet frequent warnings can desensitize recipients. Hamilton Bean, The Conversation, 11 July 2025 This double bind represents one of the most obvious barriers in contemporary workplace cultures overall, where the mere act of being perceived as vulnerable can come at a professional cost, one that only worsens over entire careers. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 The double bind of healthcare and legal danger made my life in this country suffocating. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 In southern states like Georgia and Florida, tariff uncertainty has compounded ongoing climate risks, creating a double bind for producers navigating both economic and environmental volatility. Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for double bind

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double bind was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20bind. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

double bind

noun
dou·​ble bind ˈdəb-əl-ˈbīnd How to pronounce double bind (audio)
: a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a single source conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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