LIMERENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Limerence is a psychological term that describes an intense infatuation or obsession towards another person. Coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in her 1979 book "Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love," limerence refers specifically to the initial stages of romantic attraction, characterized by overwhelming emotions and a preoccupation with the object of affection.
This state of mind is often likened to being "head over heels" or "love at first sight," wherein the individual may experience a combination of euphoria, anxiety, and fantasy. Limerence is associated with intrusive thoughts and an obsessive desire for reciprocation from the desired person.
People influenced by limerence may exhibit various behaviors that revolve around gaining attention and approval from the object of their affection. This can include seeking proximity, engaging in constant daydreaming, and making gestures to win their affection. However, limerence does not necessarily involve genuine love or commitment, as it is primarily driven by idealization and a strong desire for reciprocation.
While limerence can be a thrilling and exhilarating experience, it is often short-lived and may wane over time. It is considered a distinct psychological state that can precede or coexist with love, but differs from stable, long-term attachments. Ultimately, limerence is characterized by its intensity, passionate longing, and a sense of being consumed by one's feelings for another person.
Common Misspellings for LIMERENCE
- kimerence
- pimerence
- oimerence
- lumerence
- ljmerence
- lkmerence
- lomerence
- l9merence
- l8merence
- linerence
- likerence
- lijerence
- limwrence
- limsrence
- limdrence
- limrrence
- lim4rence
- lim3rence
- limeeence
- limedence
Etymology of LIMERENCE
The word "limerence" was coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in her 1979 book "Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love". Tennov used it to describe an intense and involuntary state of infatuated or obsessive attraction to another person.
Etymologically, Tennov derived the term "limerence" from the verb "to lime", which means to "be caught in a snare". However, she altered the spelling to avoid confusion with the verb "to slime". Tennov believed that "limerence" accurately depicted the concept she sought to describe, emphasizing the notion of being entrapped or captivated by obsessive thoughts and desires for someone.
