limerence

• limerance

From arbitrary first element +‎ -ence. Coined by Dorothy Tennov. Another theory sees the neologism as based on obsolete limer (“leash hound”), from Old French liemier (see lien (“leash”)), referring to the state of intense attachment and connection felt towards the desired person.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈlɪməɹəns/

limerence (countable and uncountable, plural limerences)

1. (psychology) An involuntary romantic infatuation with another person, especially combined with an overwhelming, obsessive need to have one's feelings reciprocated. [from 20th c.]
   • 1977 September 11, Dorothy Tennov, The Observer:

     I first used the term ‘amorance’ then changed it back to ‘limerence’ […]. It has no roots whatsoever. It looks nice. It works well in French. Take it from me it has no etymology whatsoever.

   • 2003 December 14, Andrew G Marshall, The Observer:

     When someone is under the spell of limerence, not even being rejected dampens down the madness.

   • 2010, Alyson Schafer, Breaking the Good mom Myth:

     But limerence, lovely as it feels, is a time-limited event—it lasts about five years for most couples.

• infatuation

• nonlimerence

• limerent
• nonlimerent

• crush

limerence f (plural limerences)

1. (psychology, rare) limerence (state of mind caused by a romantic attraction)

   Synonym: enfatuação