pleasure principle

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. an automatic mental drive or instinct seeking to avoid pain and to obtain pleasure.

pleasure principle

noun

1. psychoanal the idea that psychological processes and actions are governed by the gratification of needs. It is seen as the governing process of the id, whereas the reality principle is the governing process of the ego See also hedonism

pleasure principle

1. In psychoanalysis , the demand that an instinctive need (usually sexual or aggressive) be gratified, regardless of the social or practical consequences. Sigmund Freud held that the id was dominated totally by the pleasure principle, but that, with the development of the ego and superego , individuals become aware of the demands of social reality (the reality principle), and thereby learn to temper and regulate their quest for pleasure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleasure principle¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The English vocal powerhouse Yola spells out her pleasure principle on “Symphony,” a funky, upbeat celebration of sensuality that will appear on her forthcoming EP, “My Way.”

From New York Times

The creation is yet another example of the restaurant’s pleasure principle at work, and how apt to enjoy it while Cheryl Lynn is singing “Got to Be Real.”

From Washington Post

It won’t if we adopt a Mozartean pleasure principle that is substantive, not superficial.

From Los Angeles Times

I wanted to edit this anthology with the pleasure principle.

From Washington Post

I find myself increasingly committed to the pleasure principle — first formulated by John Dryden in 1668.

From New York Times