double bind

noun

1. Psychology. a situation in which a person is given conflicting cues, especially by a parent, such that to obey one cue is to disobey the other.
2. dilemma ( def 1 ).

double bind

noun

1. a situation of conflict from which there is no escape; unresolvable dilemma

Word History and Origins

Origin of double bind¹

An Americanism dating back to 1955–60

Example Sentences

In the meantime, many restaurant workers are still in a double bind.

From Vox

In recognition of this double bind, many state and local jurisdictions have adopted “ban the box” laws that prohibit asking candidates at the start of a hiring process about past arrests, charges or incarceration history.

From Washington Post

That conflict aptly demonstrated the GOP's awkward "double bind," as Matthew Continetti put it in at the Weekly Standard.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• difficulty
• embarrassment
• impasse
• mess
• plight
• predicament
• problem
• puzzle
• quandary