Amnesia

As a Noun

1. A condition in which a person loses memory, either temporarily or permanently.
2. The inability to recall past experiences, often due to brain injury, trauma, or illness.
3. A figurative loss of awareness or forgetting of important facts or events.

Word History

The word amnesia comes from the Greek amnesia, meaning “forgetfulness,” derived from a- (without) and mnesis (memory). It has been used in medical and psychological contexts since the 17th century.

Examples

1. After the accident, he suffered from temporary amnesia and couldn’t remember his name.
2. The trauma caused partial amnesia, making her forget years of her life.
3. The country seemed to suffer from historical amnesia, forgetting past mistakes.

Synonyms

Memory loss, forgetfulness, blackout, mind blank

Related Words

Amnesiac, dementia, oblivion, lapse

Antonyms

Memory, recollection, remembrance, retention