PSYCHOMACHY Meaning and
Definition
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Psychomachy is a concept derived from Greek mythology which refers to the internal struggle or conflict between opposing forces within an individual's mind or soul. The term is composed of two Greek words: "psyche" meaning soul or mind, and "mache" meaning battle or strife. Essentially, psychomachy can be understood as a symbolic representation of the psychological struggle between different aspects of an individual's personality or moral conscience.
Psychomachy often portrays the struggle between virtues and vices, good and evil, or right and wrong within a person's psyche. It is a battle where opposing forces, personified as characters or allegorical figures, engage in combat or strive for dominance. This conflict may be depicted through various literary or artistic forms, such as poetry, drama, or visual arts.
The significance of psychomachy lies in its representation of the ongoing struggle for moral equilibrium or psychological well-being. It reflects the complex nature of human beings, highlighting the internal tensions and contradictions that often shape human behavior and decision-making. Psychomachy serves as a reminder of the perpetual internal battle individuals face, and can be seen as an allegory for the challenges of attaining personal growth, self-actualization, or moral transformation.
Overall, psychomachy denotes the internal clash between opposing forces within an individual's mind or soul, symbolizing the constant struggle for harmony and the resolution of conflicts within oneself.
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A conflict of the soul with the body.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PSYCHOMACHY
- osychomachy
- lsychomachy
- -sychomachy
- 0sychomachy
- paychomachy
- pzychomachy
- pxychomachy
- pdychomachy
- peychomachy
- pwychomachy
- pstchomachy
- psgchomachy
- pshchomachy
- psuchomachy
- ps7chomachy
- ps6chomachy
- psyxhomachy
- psyvhomachy
- psyfhomachy
- psydhomachy
Etymology of PSYCHOMACHY
The word "psychomachy" originates from ancient Greek. It is a compound word composed of "psyche" (ψυχή), meaning "soul" or "mind", and "mache" (μάχη), meaning "battle" or "conflict". Therefore, "psychomachy" can be translated approximately as "battle of the soul" or "conflict of the mind". It was initially used to describe the allegorical battle between virtues and vices, often depicted in literature and art during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Today, "psychomachy" is often used metaphorically to refer to internal battles or conflicts within a person's mind or psyche.
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