ambivalence

[ am-biv-uh-luh ns ]
/ æmˈbɪv ə ləns /

noun

uncertainty or fluctuation, especially when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things.
Psychology. the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing him or her in opposite directions.
Also am·biv·a·len·cy.

Origin of ambivalence

First recorded in 1910–15; ambi- + valence

OTHER WORDS FROM ambivalence

am·biv·a·lent, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for ambivalence

British Dictionary definitions for ambivalence

ambivalence

ambivalency

/ (æmˈbɪvələns) /

noun

the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc

Derived forms of ambivalence

ambivalent, adjective

Medical definitions for ambivalence

ambivalence
[ ăm-bĭvə-ləns ]

n.

The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings toward a person, an object, or an idea.

Other words from ambivalence

am•biva•lent adj.