MASOCHISM Meaning and
Definition
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Masochism refers to a psychological condition or sexual preference characterized by the enjoyment or arousal derived from experiencing pain, humiliation, or suffering. It is named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian writer who studied and wrote extensively about erotic submission and dominance.
In psychology, masochism is considered a paraphilic disorder, falling under a broader category of sexual masochism disorder (SMD). Individuals with masochistic tendencies usually have a desire to be physically or emotionally mistreated, dominated, or humiliated by their partners. They may actively seek out scenarios or engage in activities involving pain or discomfort to satisfy their personal pleasure.
Masochism is often viewed as a consensual sexual behavior when practiced between consenting adults. However, it is important to distinguish between consensual BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, Masochism) practices and any non-consensual or harmful situations, as consent and safety are paramount.
Outside of the sexual context, masochism may also refer to a general disposition towards self-punishment or self-inflicted suffering. This can manifest in various ways, such as repeatedly engaging in destructive behaviors or putting oneself in emotionally or physically painful situations.
To summarize, masochism denotes a sexual or psychological inclination in which individuals find pleasure, satisfaction, or arousal through experiencing pain, humiliation, or suffering. It is crucial to differentiate consensual and safe practices from harmful or non-consensual situations when discussing masochistic tendencies.
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A form of perversion in which sexual pleasure is heightened when one is beaten and maltreated at the hands of the other party; the opposite of sadism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASOCHISM
Etymology of MASOCHISM
The word "masochism" is derived from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian writer who was known for his novel "Venus in Furs" published in 1870. The protagonist of the novel, Severin von Kusiemski, is depicted as a man with a preference for being dominated and experiencing pain.
After the publication of the novel, the term "masochism" was coined by the German psychiatrist Richard Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing in his work "Psychopathia Sexualis" in 1886. Krafft-Ebing used Sacher-Masoch's name to describe the sexual inclination towards deriving pleasure from being subjected to physical or psychological pain, which came to be known as masochism.
Similar spelling words for MASOCHISM
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