neo-Freudian

[ nee-oh-froi-dee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a group of psychoanalytic thinkers whose modifications of Freudian analytic theory place increased emphasis on ego functions and interpersonal relationships.

noun

1. a psychoanalyst advocating such a view.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neo-Freudian¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Immediately raising an objection, Norm Pattis, one of the defense lawyers in the case, called the amorphous agreement described by Mr. Bertino “a neo-Freudian kind of unconscious” version of conspiracy.

From New York Times

It also led, eventually, to the post-war neo-Freudian conceit that problematic behaviours with no associated disease should nevertheless be treated as medical.

From Nature

If David Lynch’s "Mulholland Drive" is the best film of the 21st century, so voted by a 2016 BBC poll, then much of the credit must go to Watts, whose performance — or rather, performances — as the naïve young actress Betty and the bitter, disillusioned Diane, gave the film a bedrock frame for Lynch’s Neo-Freudian, Quasi-Jungian dream logic.

From Salon

In 1963, Betty Friedan’s “Feminine Mystique” denounced neo-Freudian mother blamers.

From The New Yorker

Neo-Freudian psychiatrists warned about bad moms who coddled their sons and thereby weakened national efforts to fight the Communist menace.

From New York Times