masochism

[ mas-uh-kiz-uhm, maz- ]

noun

1. Psychiatry. the condition in which sexual gratification depends on suffering physical pain or humiliation.
2. gratification gained from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., inflicted or imposed on oneself, either as a result of one's own actions or the actions of others, especially the tendency to seek this form of gratification.
3. the act of turning one's destructive tendencies inward or upon oneself.
4. the tendency to find pleasure in self-denial, submissiveness, etc.

masochism

/ ˈmæsəˌkɪzəm /

noun

1. psychiatry an abnormal condition in which pleasure, esp sexual pleasure, is derived from pain or from humiliation, domination, etc, by another person
2. psychoanal the directing towards oneself of any destructive tendencies
3. a tendency to take pleasure from one's own suffering Compare sadism

masochism

1. Abnormal behavior characterized by deriving sexual gratification from being subjected to pain. More loosely, masochism refers to deriving any pleasure from experiencing pain. ( Compare sadism .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmasoˈchistic, adjective
• ˌmasoˈchistically, adverb
• ˈmasochist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• masoch·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masochism¹

First recorded in 1890–95; named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), who described it; -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of masochism¹

C19: named after Leopold von Sacher Masoch (1836–95), Austrian novelist, who described it

Example Sentences

It’s a strange, fascinating act of masochism, as if to underline the pain sports can cause to those who struggle to relate to its ideals.

From New York Times

Some of the featured subjects are more into the horticultural side, while others are more into online public masochism.

From New York Times

With a stiff drink, a heavy heart, and a strong sense of masochism, I recently subjected myself to the first round of Republican presidential debates.

From Salon

"The help of such specialists is necessary if a person wants to recover from frigidity, impotence, or such violations of sexual behaviour as fetishism, masochism and sadism," the official newspaper of Russia's parliament said.

From Reuters

But it’s not an act of self-deprecation or masochism — it’s more childlike play and an expression of joy.

From Los Angeles Times