confabulation

[ kuh n-fab-yuh-ley-shuh n ]

/ kənˌfæb yəˈleɪ ʃən /

the act of confabulating; conversation; discussion.

Psychiatry. the replacement of a gap in a person's memory by a falsification that he or she believes to be true.

Nearby words

1490–1500; < Late Latin confabulātiōn- (stem of confābulātiō) conversation, equivalent to confābulāt(us) (see confabulate) + -iōn- -ion

con·fab·u·la·to·ry

[kuh n-fab-yoo-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /kənˈfæb yʊ ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

This is most apparent in his discussion of the many forms of confabulation.
The Unpersuadables: Why Smart People Believe Crazy Theories|Kevin Canfield|March 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The constant disinformation, distraction, misdirection, confabulation, and endless stream of threats actually works.
Al-Dura Report: Smear Tactics That Work|Emily L. Hauser|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There was movement going on in the room, people coming and going, but we were intent on our confabulation and took no notice.
Experiences of a Dug-out, 1914-1918|Sir Stanley Maude
We rushed out simultaneously from the porte-cochre, where we were holding our confabulation, to see what was the matter.
Catholic World, Vol. XIII, April to September, 1871|Various

After this confabulation the steward had orders to shut the door on Monsieur de Rubempre—which was done.
Scenes from a Courtesan's Life|Honore de Balzac
Walk up wid yourself here, till we have a confabulation together; you see I love to be talking to you.
The Hedge School; The Midnight Mass; The Donagh|William Carleton
During this confabulation, Maltravers and Evelyn were left alone with Sophy.
Alice, or The Mysteries, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton

[ kən-făb′yə-lā′shən ]

The unconscious filling of gaps in one's memory by fabrications that one accepts as facts.

con•fab′u•late′ v.