Confabulated

/kənˈfæbjəleɪtɪd/ verb, adjective

Definition

Past tense: filled in gaps in memory with false details; or as adjective: characterized by confabulated memories or false recollections.

Etymology

From Latin 'confabulari' with -ated suffix, describing when someone fills memory gaps with invented plausible details.

Kelly Says

Witness testimony studies show that confabulated memories can be incredibly convincing because the brain doesn't put a 'false' label on them—you remember something vividly that never happened.

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