entry
limerence
/ˈlɪməɹəns/obsessive, unreciprocated romantic infatuation
From coined English limer- (arbitrary first element).
Word Ancestry
This is a word that was basically made in a laboratory. Dorothy Tennov coined it in 1977, and she did not pretend it had some ancient pedigree; she wanted a euphonious substitute for amorance, a term that sounds more like a medieval romance than a modern diagnosis. The ending, -ence, gives the coinage the polished feel of other state-words like presence and competence, so the whole thing sounds as if it has always belonged in a psychology textbook. But the first half is a pure invention, which is part of the fun: it behaves like a real root without actually being one. That makes limerence a kind of linguistic costume jewelry—new metal, old shine, and one very memorable name for a feeling that can make the brain act like a locked room with the key missing.
The Story
This is a word that was basically made in a laboratory. Dorothy Tennov coined it in 1977, and she did not pretend it had some ancient pedigree; she wanted a euphonious substitute for amorance, a term that sounds more like a medieval romance than a modern diagnosis. The ending, -ence, gives the coinage the polished feel of other state-words like presence and competence, so the whole thing sounds as if it has always belonged in a psychology textbook. But the first half is a pure invention, which is part of the fun: it behaves like a real root without actually being one. That makes limerence a kind of linguistic costume jewelry—new metal, old shine, and one very memorable name for a feeling that can make the brain act like a locked room with the key missing.
Kin & Kindred
From 'limer-'·arbitrary first element; euphonious coinage
Derived Terms
English words from this root
From '-ence'·state, quality, condition
Derived Terms
English words from this root
Sources
Urban Dictionary
Wiktionary