PsychologyJuly 17, 2026

indiscretion

/ˌɪndɪˈskrɛʃən/

Definition

An act or instance of behaving in a way that lacks good judgment or reveals secrets, specifically referring to secret or extramarital romantic encounters in this context.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'indiscretio,' meaning 'lack of discernment.' It entered Middle English through Old French, originally describing a failure in judgment before evolving to specifically denote social or moral lapses.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how modern technology, such as social media and digital tracking, makes it easier for people to discover or expose a partner's secret affairs. It highlights how these tools have changed the landscape of infidelity for both partners and psychologists.

How I pitched a 2,300-word feature on infidelity to a trade magazine

Read the full article ↗

Association of Health Care Journalists

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