Pronunciation: [dˈɛdəbə͡lmənt] (IPA) 
Dedoublement is a French word that means "splitting in two". The spelling may seem difficult to non-French speakers, but with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it becomes easier to understand. The first syllable "deh" sounds like "də" in IPA, followed by "doo" which is pronounced as "du". The final syllable "bluh" is spelled "blə" in IPA. Putting all together, the word sounds like "deh-doo-blə-mənt".
Dedoublement is a term originating from the French language, and it is predominantly used in the field of psychology. It can be defined as a phenomenon wherein an individual experiences a division or splitting of one's identity, consciousness, or personality. This splitting may manifest as a detachment from one's true self, resulting in dissociation or a sense of being separated from one's emotions, perceptions, thoughts, or actions.
In the context of psychology, dedoublement is often associated with dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). Individuals with these disorders may exhibit multiple distinct identities, each with its own set of characteristics, memories, and behaviors, leading to a sense of dedoublement within themselves.
Dedoublement is also sometimes used more generally to describe the feeling of disconnection or fragmentation that individuals may experience during periods of emotional distress, existential crises, or traumatic events. It can be perceived as a defense mechanism or coping strategy, allowing individuals to compartmentalize their experiences and emotions in order to preserve a sense of self or to distance themselves from unpleasant or overwhelming situations.
Overall, dedoublement refers to the psychological phenomenon of a split or division in an individual's identity, consciousness, or personality, which can manifest in various ways and may be associated with dissociation, dissociative disorders, or emotional distress.
The word dedoublement comes from the French language. It is derived from the verb dédoubler, which means to unfold or to duplicate. The root of the word can be traced back to two Latin elements: de, indicating down or apart, and duplicare, meaning to double. The addition of the suffix -ment in French forms a noun, resulting in dedoublement, which can be translated as doubling or duplication.
