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Synonyms

sadomasochism

American  
[sey-doh-mas-uh-kiz-uhm, -maz-, sad-oh-] / ˌseɪ doʊˈmæs əˌkɪz əm, -ˈmæz-, ˌsæd oʊ- /

noun

  1. interaction, especially sexual activity, in which one person enjoys inflicting physical or mental suffering on another person, who derives pleasure from experiencing pain.

  2. gratification, especially sexual, gained through inflicting and receiving pain; sadism and masochism combined. S&M, S and M

sadomasochism British  
/ ˌsædəʊ-, ˌseɪdəʊˈmæsəˌkɪzəm /

noun

  1. the combination of sadistic and masochistic elements in one person, characterized by both aggressive and submissive periods in relationships with others

  2. Abbreviation: SM.   S M.  sexual practice in which one partner adopts a sadistic role and the other a masochistic one Compare sadism masochism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • sadomasochist noun
  • sadomasochistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of sadomasochism

First recorded in 1915–20; sad- ( sadism ) + -o- + masochism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The place is the Aragon Ballroom in Los Angeles, the time is the Depression, and the event is an extravagance of sadomasochism known as the Marathon Dance.

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.