false-memory syndrome

[fawls-mem-uh-ree sin-drohm, -druhm]

noun

1. a psychological condition in which a person believes that they remember events that have not actually occurred.

false memory syndrome

noun

1. an alleged condition in which a person undergoing psychotherapy erroneously believes in traumatic events in his or her childhood See also recovered memory

Word History and Origins

Origin of false-memory syndrome¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

In this mind-bending, time-twisting science fiction novel with faint political undercurrents, people begin suffering from false memory syndrome, remembering lives they never led.

From New York Times

He believed Ford’s testimony, but he wondered if it could be connected to “False Memory Syndrome,” in which a memory of an event can develop without a real basis in fact.

From Seattle Times

Morrison writes: "One wonders whether Blair read the assessments we provided him, is trying to rewrite history to his benefit, or is suffering from some prime ministerial false memory syndrome. Whatever, he should not be allowed to get away with untruths."

From The Guardian

There is now a False Memory Syndrome in scientific literature and a False Memory Syndrome Foundation.

From Scientific American

I think we may be suffering from false memory syndrome when it comes to privacy. 

From Time