# amnesia

/æmˈniʒə/ (US) · /æmnˈiːziə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amnesia
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a loss of memory, often caused by an injury or illness. You use this word when someone cannot remember things they used to know.

For teachers: a partial or total loss of the ability to recall past experiences or information. Typically uncountable in clinical contexts; countable when referring to specific types or episodes.

## Examples

- He has amnesia from the car accident.
- After the surgery, she suffered from temporary amnesia and could not recall the previous week.
- The protagonist's selective amnesia serves as a narrative device, obscuring the truth until the final chapter reveals his repressed memories.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.