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, ambivalency.

Origin

1910-15; ambi- + valence

Related forms

ambivalent, adjective

Examples from the web for ambivalence

Americans don't always have a high tolerance for ambivalence.
But I guess the fact that they were fighting giant robots take the moral ambivalence out of the picture.
Honest and spirited writing that makes this book a compelling read, and one that could melt public ambivalence.
Overcoming his initial ambivalence, Thompson accepted the offer last fall.
Their ambivalence transforms their anger into resentment.
This ambivalence and insecurity may be a passing thing, but it may not be.
In private conversations, there is ambivalence and uncertainty.
He talks about his accomplishments with a certain detachment that one might mistake for ambivalence.
I'm sure this ambivalence is an honest reflection of the difficulties inherent in each point of view.
Instead the relationship may be fraught with envy and ambivalence.

British Dictionary definitions for ambivalence

ambivalence

/æmˈbɪvələns/

noun

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

Derived Forms

ambivalent, adjective

Word Origin and History for ambivalence

"simultaneous conflicting feelings," 1924 (1912 as ambivalency), from German Ambivalenz, coined 1910 by Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler (1857-1939) on model of German Equivalenz "equivalence," etc., from Latin ambi- "both" (see ambi-) + valentia "strength," from present participle of valere "be strong" (see valiant). A psychological term that by 1929 had taken on a broader literary and general sense.

ambivalence in Medicine

ambivalence am·biv·a·lence (ām-bĭv'ə-ləns)
n.
The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings toward a person, an object, or an idea.

am·biv'a·lent adj.