THELERETHISM Meaning and
Definition
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Thelerethism is a term that is derived from the ancient Greek words "thelero" meaning nipple or teat, and "ethos" meaning disposition or condition. Primarily used in the field of psychology, it refers to a psychological state or condition characterized by an intense fixation or preoccupation with the act of nursing or the breast.
Thelerethism encompasses a range of behaviors and thought patterns associated with an excessive emotional or psychological attachment to the act of breastfeeding, often resulting in a persistent focus on the breast or nipple as objects of pleasure, comfort, or even sexual desire. Individuals experiencing thelerethism may display symptoms such as hypersexualization of the breast, obsessive thoughts about breastfeeding, or an overwhelming preoccupation with lactation.
This phenomenon can occur across various age groups, from infants showing an abnormal attachment to nursing, to adults manifesting a fixation on breastfeeding or lactation in either fetishistic or non-paraphilic ways. It is important to note that thelerethism can lead to distress and impair day-to-day functioning, warranting clinical attention.
Furthermore, it should be distinguished from normal breastfeeding behavior, as thelerethism denotes an excessive and maladaptive fixation that may require therapeutic intervention. Psychological counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation are among the potential treatment approaches for individuals struggling with thelerethism.
Overall, thelerethism describes an abnormal psychological condition centered around an intense fixation on breastfeeding and emphasizes the need for appropriate professional assessment and intervention when necessary.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THELERETHISM
Etymology of THELERETHISM
The term "thelerethism" is a relatively rare and specialized medical term used to describe a symptom associated with mercury poisoning. The etymology of the word reveals its connection to the Latin language.
The word "thelerethism" is derived from the Latin term "thelerēsis", which means "a trembling or shivering". In turn, "thelerēsis" is derived from the Greek term "thellō", meaning "to stamp one's feet or shudder".
When mercury poisoning occurs, one of the symptoms may be tremors or convulsions, which led to the association with the term "thelerethism". The word combines this Greek root with the suffix "-ism", which denotes a condition, state, or action related to a particular word or concept.
