folie à deux

noun

fo·​lie à deux fȯ-lē-ä-ˈdœ How to pronounce folie à deux (audio) ˌfä-lē-ˌä-ˈdər How to pronounce folie à deux (audio)
-ˈdə
: the presence of the same or similar delusional ideas in two persons closely associated with one another

Examples of folie à deux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There's a moment late in the play when Hinkypunk's Solange gets a glimpse beyond her folie a deux, recognizes the inevitability of what's to come next for her and her little sister, and gives in to it. Tony Adler, Chicago Reader, 27 June 2018 The term folie a deux refers to two individuals who plan and commit crimes that neither would concoct on their own — the basis for (fact-based) movies like Hitchcock’s Rope, or Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures. Gary Thompson, Philly.com, 7 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, double madness

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folie à deux was circa 1892

Dictionary Entries Near folie à deux

Cite this Entry

“Folie à deux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folie%20%C3%A0%20deux. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

folie à deux

noun
-(ˌ)ä-ˈdœ̅, -ˈdə
plural folies à deux
ˌfō-ˈlē(z)-(ˌ)ä-
: the presence of the same or similar delusional ideas in two persons closely associated with one another
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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