'Parasocial' is Cambridge Dictionary's 2025 word of the year

'Parasocial captures the 2025 zeitgeist. It's a great example of how language changes,' says McIntosh. — CHRISTIN KLOSE/dpa

Cambridge Dictionary has revealed "parasocial" as its word of the year for 2025, defined as involving a connection someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know.

Psychologists have observed how the rise of one-sided parasocial relationships has redefined fandom and celebrity.