masochism

masochism Definition

maso·chism (mas′ə kiz′əm, maz′-)

noun

the getting of sexual pleasure from being dominated, mistreated, or hurt physically or otherwise by one's partner
the getting of pleasure from suffering physical or psychological pain, inflicted by others or by oneself

Etymology: after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1835-95), Austrian writer in whose stories it is described

masochism Related Forms

mas′o·chist noun mas′o·chis′·tic adjective mas′o·chis′·ti·cally adverb

masochism Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

sexual: The motivation is likened to sexual masochism, and hypnosis serves to elaborate and maintain the false memories.
female: The film is not only interesting for its attempt to critique the phenomenon of female masochism, but also for its use of language.
British: Al fresco Shakespeare has aways struck me as a peculiar form of British masochism.

masochism Quotes

A spirit of national masochism prevails, encouraged by an effete corps of impudent snobs who characterize themselves as intellectuals.

—Agnew, SpiroT(heodore)

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