Masochism

usgb/ˈmæsəkɪzəm/
noun

A psychological condition where someone gets pleasure or satisfaction from their own pain or humiliation.

His tendency towards masochism was evident in his enjoyment of the harsh physical training.
Visual representation of "masochism" - A psychological condition where someone gets pleasure or satisfaction from their own pain or humiliation.

Often appears as...

  • sexual masochism
  • masochism disorder

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "masochism"
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Sensory Pleasure

Relates to pleasure from feeling pain, not just emotional suffering.

Illustration for Sensory Pleasure
He found a strange masochism in the sting of the icy water.
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Not Only Sexual

Masochism isn't always sexual; can be about any self-imposed hardship.

Illustration for Not Only Sexual
She considered studying all night a form of intellectual masochism.
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Psychological Term

Originally a medical term, used broadly in psychology and psychiatry.

Illustration for Psychological Term
The therapist explained the concept of masochism to his patient.
Visual representation of the word "Masochism"

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