Stockholm syndrome

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noun Psychiatry.

an emotional attachment to a captor formed by a hostage as a result of continuous stress, dependence, and a need to cooperate for survival.

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Origin of Stockholm syndrome

After an incident in Stockholm in 1973, during which a bank employee became romantically attached to a robber who held her hostage

Words nearby Stockholm syndrome

stockholder, stockholder of record, stockholders, stockholders' equity, Stockholm, Stockholm syndrome, stockhorn, stock horse, stockinet, stockinette, stocking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Stockholm syndrome in a sentence

She develops some Stockholm Syndrome–like attraction to him.
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Greig was either in love with Whitey, or living in fear, or under the throes of some manner of Stockholm syndrome.
Whitey Bulger’s Women: Inside the Terror and Glamour of His Ex-Girlfriends|T.J. English|June 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But some former teachers describe the defense of Friend as a version of Stockholm Syndrome.
John Friend Anusara Scandal: Inside the Wiccan ‘Sex’ Coven|Lizzie Crocker|April 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
To some observers it sounded like a classic case of Stockholm syndrome.
Somalia’s Hostage: Judith Tebbutt Is Home—But How Free?|Margot Kiser|March 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Perhaps a bit of Stockholm Syndrome after eight months of filming behind the scenes at Vogue.
Inside Vogue's Queendom|Kim Masters|August 26, 2009|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for Stockholm syndrome

Stockholm syndrome

noun

a psychological condition in which hostages or kidnap victims become sympathetic towards their captors

Word Origin for Stockholm syndrome

C20: after a group of hostages in Stockholm in 1973

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012