hypermnesia

American  

[hahy-perm-nee-zhuh] / ˌhaɪ pərmˈni ʒə /

noun

1. the condition of having an unusually vivid or precise memory.

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hypermnesia British  

/ ˌhaɪpəmˈniːzɪə /

noun

1. psychol an unusually good ability to remember, found in some mental disorders and possibly in hypnosis

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Other Word Forms

• hypermnesic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypermnesia

First recorded in 1880–90; hyper- + Greek mnêsis “memory” + -ia

Explanation

Hypermnesia is the rare and remarkable ability to remember things in vivid, almost photographic detail. Someone with hypermnesia isn't likely to forget that rude thing you said last week, or even last year! The most famous type of hypermnesia, the one that has been featured in some television shows and films, is the highly unusual ability to remember every detail of one's own life. It's sometimes referred to as HSAM: Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. An adult with HSAM could recall every detail of a childhood birthday party, from the cake’s design to the exact words of a conversation. But some hypermnesia is more transient and specific, often associated with traumatic events, or perhaps induced under hypnosis. While uncommon, hypermnesia showcases the incredible potential of the human mind.

Example Sentences

Like Funes, Sinclair can seem cursed by hypermnesia.

From The Guardian • Jul. 15, 2011

But hypermnesia, pure and simple, consists of an extraordinary flood of memories totally lacking that essential mark of creation—new combinations.

From Essay on the Creative Imagination by Baron, Albert Heyem Nachmen

The hypermnesia of the dream and the resort to infantile material have become main supports in our theory.

From Dream Psychology Psychoanalysis for Beginners by Freud, Sigmund

Many hypnotherapeutic techniques such as amnesia, hypermnesia, progression, paramnesia, automatic writing, dream induction, regression, production of experimental conflicts and crystal or mirror gazing require a somnambulistic state.

From A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Powers, Melvin