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selective memory

American  
[si-lekt-iv mem-ree] / sɪˈlɛkt ɪv ˈmɛm ri /

noun

  1. Psychology. memory of certain things but not others, especially not for things that are uncomfortable to remember for whatever reason.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

His concurrence is a fortress built out of fear and reinforced with selective memory.

From Slate May 15, 2025

Dr Reinhart said the treatment "could cause selective memory improvement that lasts for at least one month".

From BBC Aug. 22, 2022

If we could, we might agree to have all trauma wiped away, and have selective memory only treasuring the good parts of the past.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 23, 2022

While I share his concern for liberal democracy and the rise of authoritarianism, David Brooks’s selective memory is astonishing.

From New York Times Feb. 26, 2022

It hit him that this was yet another example of the odd selective memory in his mind.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

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