amnesia

noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A partial or total loss of memory, especially caused by brain injury, shock, illness, or psychological trauma.

  2. 2.

    (figurative) A deliberate or convenient forgetting of unpleasant facts.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    retrograde amnesia — inability to recall events before the onset of amnesia
  • •
    anterograde amnesia — inability to form new memories after the onset of amnesia

Related words

See also: dementia, forgetfulness, memory

Etymology

From Greek amnēsia ("forgetfulness"), from a- ("without") + mnēsis ("memory"), from mimnēskein ("to remember").