phallic

[ fal-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a phallus.
2. of or relating to phallicism.
3. genital ( def 3a ).

phallic

/ ˈfælɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a phallus

   a phallic symbol

2. psychoanal
   1. relating to a stage of psychosexual development during which a male child's interest is concentrated on the genital organs
   2. designating personality traits, such as conceit and self-assurance, due to fixation at the phallic stage of development Compare anal oral genital
   3. (in Freudian theory) denoting a phase of early childhood in which there is a belief that both sexes possess a phallus
3. of or relating to phallicism

Other Words From

• pseudo·phallic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phallic¹

From the Greek word phallikós, dating back to 1780–90. See phallus, -ic

Example Sentences

Council documents for the 250-home plan reveal a phallic shape, leaving locals wondering, they say, whether the design is deliberate.

From BBC

When David Lynch’s 1984 version of the Frank Herbert epic was released, you could buy a sandworm action figure that, once again, looked unnervingly phallic.

From New York Times

Furthermore, pictures of a facial roller and balloon ties "were phallic in shape and appeared sexual in nature" when shown alongside the other ads.

From BBC

Masks, twigs, possibly phallic objects, and animal bones found at the mummies’ cemeteries provide a tantalizing view of their daily lives and rituals.

From National Geographic

The main building is a flagrantly phallic tower known as the Endowment.

From Los Angeles Times