Lethe

[ lee-thee ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a river in Hades whose water caused forgetfulness of the past in those who drank of it.
2. (usually lowercase) forgetfulness; oblivion.

Lethe

/ ˈliːθɪ; lɪˈθiːən /

noun

1. Greek myth a river in Hades that caused forgetfulness in those who drank its waters
2. forgetfulness

Lethe

1. In classical mythology , a river flowing through Hades . The souls of the dead were forced to drink of its waters, which made them forget what they had done, said, and suffered when they were alive.

Derived Forms

• Lethean, adjective

Other Words From

• Le·the·an [li-, thee, -, uh, n, lee, -thee-, uh, n], Lethied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lethe¹

< Latin < Greek, special use of lḗthē forgetfulness, akin to lanthánesthai to forget

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lethe¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, from lēthē oblivion

Example Sentences

The growl of the English mastiff and the snarl of the Scotch terrier would make a duet which would enliven the shores of Lethe.

From Project Gutenberg

Lethe was the river of forgetfulness, and those who drank of it forgot their former life and were ready for a new one.

From Project Gutenberg

Medical art brings the waters of Lethe to the bedside of woman in her hour of trial.

From Project Gutenberg

The loss of intellect is the Lethe, but for which the Will would remember the various manifestations it has caused.

From Project Gutenberg

About a mile ahead was an inn he knew of where he might enjoy a great refreshment, and drink the waters of Lethe.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inattention