The hypothesis that memories fade and deteriorate over time due to the passage of time alone, without any interference from other factors. According to this theory, unused memories simply weaken and disappear naturally.
From Latin 'de-' meaning 'away' and 'cadere' meaning 'to fall,' combined with Greek 'theoria' meaning 'contemplation.' The concept emerged in early 20th-century psychology as researchers tried to explain why we forget things over time.
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