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dissociative identity disorder
noun
: a personality disorder that is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct and complex identities or personality states each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the others and that results from disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, and identity : multiple personality disorder
Note: The term dissociative identity disorder is now preferred over multiple personality disorder especially in medical contexts.
Examples of dissociative identity disorder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In each, the real culprit causing the leading lady to turn into Manjulika, the unhinged spirit of a royal dancer, was eventually identified as dissociative identity disorder.
—Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Split follows a man with dissociative identity disorder.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2024
The cinematic misuse of dissociative identity disorder — Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) ostensible legal defense for his actions in the first film — got old decades ago after a string of thrillers like Fight Club beat the trope into the ground.
—Samantha Allen, Them, 4 Oct. 2024
Scientific American June 1, 2023 18 min read Therapy for dissociative identity disorder has aimed to meld many personalities into one.
—Rebecca J. Lester, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1993, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of dissociative identity disorder was
in 1993
Dictionary Entries Near dissociative identity disorder
Cite this Entry
“Dissociative identity disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissociative%20identity%20disorder. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
dissociative identity disorder
noun
: a personality disorder that is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct and complex identities or personality states each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the others and that results from disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, and identity : multiple personality disorder
Note: The term dissociative identity disorder is now preferred over multiple personality disorder especially in medical contexts.
More from Merriam-Webster on dissociative identity disorder
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dissociative identity disorder
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