Dismemory

Dismemory refers to the act or process of forgetting, or experiencing a lapse in memory, particularly concerning specific details, events, or people. It can involve a loss of recall, a distortion of past experiences, or a complete blanking out of information previously held in the mind. The term often implies a degree of emotional or psychological detachment from the forgotten element. It goes beyond simple forgetfulness, suggesting a more profound disruption in the usual retrieval of memories. This can range from mild cognitive slips to more serious memory impairments linked to trauma, illness, or aging. It encompasses both the state of being forgotten and the process by which something becomes forgotten.

Dismemory meaning with examples

• After the traumatic accident, she struggled with dismemory, unable to recall specific events leading up to the collision. The faces of the paramedics, the sounds of the sirens, all faded, replaced by a sense of confusion and fragmented images. This sudden loss of recollection severely impacted her ability to recount the experience, leaving a gaping hole in her memory of the day.
• The artist, grappling with creative block, found himself experiencing dismemory regarding his previous successes. The specific techniques, the critical acclaim, all seemed distant and abstract. This memory lapse hindered his confidence, creating a doubt that blocked inspiration, making him feel inadequate and unable to move forward with the painting.
• As the years passed, the elderly professor found dismemory creeping into his daily life. Names of students, key historical dates, and even the plotlines of novels he'd read faded from his mind. While this process caused some embarrassment and moments of frustration, it also made him more accepting of life's final stages. The clarity of the past dimmed.
• In the wake of their bitter breakup, he sought ways to erase her from his life, including intentional dismemory of cherished moments. By consciously avoiding triggers, suppressing related thoughts, and replacing memories, he hoped to sever the emotional ties that bound him to her and ease the pain of separation. He hoped the pain would recede with the memories.