First Known Use: 1618
Dictionary
amnesia
noun am·ne·sia \am-ˈnē-zhə\
medical : a condition in which a person is unable to remember things because of brain injury, shock, or illness
Full 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
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Origin of AMNESIA
New Latin, from Greek amnēsia forgetfulness, alteration of amnēstia
Other Psychology Terms
AMNESIA Defined for Kids
amnesia
noun am·ne·sia \am-ˈnē-zhə\
Definition of AMNESIA for Kids
: an abnormal and usually complete loss of one's memory
Medical Dictionary
amnesia
noun am·ne·sia \am-ˈnē-zhə\
Medical Definition of AMNESIA
1
: loss of memory sometimes including the memory of personal identity due to brain injury, shock, fatigue, repression, or illness or sometimes induced by anesthesia <a period of amnesia after the wreck>
2
: a gap in one's memory <an amnesia concerning her high-school years>
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