Andromania is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language but refers to an obsessive fascination or infatuation with men. The word is composed of two roots: "andro" which means "man" and "mania" which means "obsession." In IPA phonetic transcription, "andromania" is pronounced /ændrəˈmeɪniə/ (an-druh-mey-nee-uh). The emphasis falls on the second syllable, and each syllable has a clear and distinct sound. Although seldom used now, Andromania is a term that was coined during the late 19th century.
Andromania is a term primarily used in psychology, specifically in the context of paraphilias. It refers to an excessive or obsessive sexual desire by a person, typically a male, to be surrounded by, or have sexual relationships with, numerous women. It is a condition where an individual experiences an overwhelming compulsion for multiple sexual partners or a constant need for attention and validation from the opposite sex.
The term "andromania" is derived from the Greek words "andro," meaning male, and "mania," meaning madness or obsession. It is sometimes seen as the male counterpart to nymphomania, which is characterized by excessive sexual desire in women.
Individuals with andromania often exhibit impulsive and reckless behavior to satisfy their intense sexual desires. This condition may lead to difficulties in maintaining healthy and meaningful relationships, as the focus is primarily on the quantity rather than the quality of interactions.
While andromania can be seen as a legitimate psychological disorder, it is important to note that the term is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Nonetheless, it can be used to describe individuals who engage in compulsive or addictive sexual behaviors, or to understand excessive promiscuity or sexual infidelity.
It is crucial for individuals exhibiting symptoms associated with andromania to seek professional help from therapists or psychologists specializing in sexual disorders to address their underlying issues and develop healthier behaviors and attitudes towards relationships and sexuality.
The word "andromania" is derived from the combination of two root words: "andro-" and "-mania".
The prefix "andro-" comes from the Greek word "andros", which means "man" or "male". It is often used in words related to men or masculinity. For example, "androgynous" refers to having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
The suffix "-mania" also originates from Greek, specifically from the word "mania", meaning "madness" or "abnormal excitement". It is often used to describe an intense or excessive preoccupation or fascination with something. For instance, "kleptomania" refers to an irresistible urge to steal.
Thus, combining "andro-" and "-mania" gives us "andromania", which denotes an excessive or abnormal obsession or infatuation with men or masculinity.