Capgras syndrome

American  

[kap-grah sin-drohm, -druhm] / ˈkæp grɑ ˌsɪn droʊm, -drəm /

noun

Psychiatry, Neurology.

1. a delusional condition characterized by the belief that an impostor identical in appearance has replaced one’s spouse, or one or more of one’s family members or friends.

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Etymology

Origin of Capgras syndrome

First recorded in 1970–75; named after Joseph Capgras (1873–1950), French psychiatrist who first described the disorder with Jean Reboul-Lachaux (1923)

Example Sentences

The man developed Capgras syndrome and Cotard’s syndrome, and came to believe alternately that his wife was an impostor, and that he was already dead.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2020

He was remanded to a psychiatric hospital, where he was found to have Capgras syndrome, a rare mental illness characterized by the delusion that loved ones have been replaced by impostors.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2017