Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

lethe

Noun

/ˈliːθi/

Definition

Oblivion or forgetfulness, particularly in relation to oblivion from past memories.

Examples

In ancient texts, souls would drink from the Lethe to forget their earthly lives before being reincarnated.
She hoped that a few days by the sea would act as a Lethe, helping her forget her worries.

Meaning

In Greek mythology, Lethe is one of the rivers of the underworld, which causes forgetfulness. To drink from Lethe means to forget one’s past or to be in a state of oblivion.