total recall

American  

noun

1. the ability to remember with complete, detailed accuracy.

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total recall British  

noun

1. psychol the faculty or an instance of complete and clear recall of every detail of something

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Etymology

Origin of total recall

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Waymo had to recall nearly 4,000 cars after several incidents in which its robotaxis entering closed-off highway construction areas.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

“If there was ever a question about whether there was a pathogen in our products,” McAfee later told me, “I’d be the first one to recall immediately, voluntarily.”

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

Nevertheless, the company said, it had decided to recall all products currently on the market.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

His social media followers lapped up his ability to recall obscure 90s footballers, and the fact he is a shareholder in Spanish side Real Oviedo.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

It’s a very odd thing to recall, that we all looked up.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver