Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A
memory for a significant and extremelyemotional moment or event.
Etymologies
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Examples
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whichbe commented on the word flashbulb memory
The theory of 'flashbulb memories' holds that shocking events—such as a presidential assassination—are created in a unique process that sears an image into the brain like a photo. (From Double-Tongued Dictionary)
June 9, 2008
seanahan commented on the word flashbulb memory
The recent studies have shown that this theory is false. These memories are just as likely to be false as any other memory.
June 10, 2008
whichbe commented on the word flashbulb memory
Yeah, that sounds right, but I still like the metaphor. I'd presume the origin of the theory comes from the 'emotional weight' that shocking and particularly traumatic events have. You're right, the qualitative ("photo") accuracy of these memories is not necessarily any more, however, these events do "sear" an impression on the mind in other ways...
June 10, 2008
seanahan commented on the word flashbulb memory
The thing of it is that people think they are better memories which makes them strenuously assert that they are better memories, and that their memory was really how things occurred.
June 12, 2008