sadomasochism

[ sey-doh-mas-uh-kiz-uhm, -maz-, sad-oh- ]

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

/ 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. sexual practice in which one partner adopts a sadistic role and the other a masochistic one AbbreviationSMS & M Compare sadism masochism

Derived Forms

• ˌsadomasoˈchistic, adjective

Other Words From

• sa·do·mas·o·chist noun adjective
• sa·do·mas·o·chis·tic [sey-doh-mas-, uh, -, kis, -tik, -maz-, sad-oh-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadomasochism¹

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

Example Sentences

In a few words, Trump’s revivalist cult is also about sadomasochism in everyday life.

From Salon

Well before the rise of punk and heavy metal, Anger was juxtaposing music with bikers, sadomasochism, occultism and Nazi imagery.

From Seattle Times

This he has faithfully done in plays like “Fulfillment,” “Intimacy,” and “Burning,” which depict, often explicitly, incest, pornography, scatology and sadomasochism.

From New York Times

Powell revealed she had an affair, the pain of loving two men at once, of her fondness for sadomasochism and even a bout of self-punishing sex with a stranger.

From Seattle Times

Zelensky said at a news conference Friday that the evidence of an imminent invasion was insufficient, even as he suggested that the troops were part of a Russian “sadomasochism” threat.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• malice