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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


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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Stockholm syndrome1

C20: after a group of hostages in Stockholm in 1973

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Example Sentences

She develops some Stockholm Syndrome–like attraction to him.

Greig was either in love with Whitey, or living in fear, or under the throes of some manner of Stockholm syndrome.

But some former teachers describe the defense of Friend as a version of Stockholm Syndrome.

To some observers it sounded like a classic case of Stockholm syndrome.

Perhaps a bit of Stockholm Syndrome after eight months of filming behind the scenes at Vogue.

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