masochistic

[ mas-uh-kis-tik, maz‑ ]

adjective

1. Psychiatry. having a condition in which sexual gratification depends on suffering, physical pain, and humiliation.
2. gratified by pain, degradation, deprivation, etc., inflicted on oneself either by one's own actions or the actions of others.
3. tending to be self-destructive.
4. tending to find pleasure in self-denial, submissiveness, degradation, etc.

Other Words From

• masoch·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of masochistic¹

masoch(ism) + -istic

Example Sentences

Some of the content featured victims under the age of 12, who were depicted in a “sadistic or masochistic” setting.

From Los Angeles Times

Or are we seeing, perhaps, a kind of masochistic admiration for the bully?

From Salon

Unlike too many athletes in recent memory — especially in women’s gymnastics, which has always had a masochistic streak — she put her well-being first and triumphed as a result.

From Los Angeles Times

As Shakira reached for the final wings, she could barely speak, calling the interview “masochistic” and referred to herself as “the weakest link.”

From Los Angeles Times

As masochistic as it seems, I’d still choose to do everything all over again, not because of him but because the fiasco taught me a powerful lesson.

From Los Angeles Times