Stockholm syndrome

noun

Psychiatry.

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

Stockholm syndrome

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Stockholm syndrome¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Stockholm syndrome¹

C20: after a group of hostages in Stockholm in 1973

Example Sentences

One of the two charismatic criminals involved in the kidnapping that gave the world the term "Stockholm syndrome" has died aged 78, his family has said.

From BBC

Experts have since debated whether Stockholm syndrome is an actual psychiatric condition, with some arguing it is a defence mechanism to cope with traumatic situations.

From BBC

Speaking on the BBC's Sideways podcast in 2021, Enmark rubbished the concept of Stockholm syndrome, saying: "It's a way of blaming the victim. I did what I could to survive."

From BBC

Okatsuka might joke about suffering from Stockholm syndrome, but she really is best friends with her grandma, who was her primary caregiver in childhood and now has her own social media fan base.

From Los Angeles Times

In the interview in Vanity Fair, she portrayed Cohen as a man with “Stockholm syndrome” who was enthralled by a cruel and abusive boss because he “saw how Trump treated his own children and how mean he was to them, and I think he thought that if he’s treating me like that, then I am part of the family.”

From Slate