Masochistic: meaning, definitions and examples
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masochistic
[ ˌmæ səˈkɪs tɪk ]
personality trait
Masochistic describes a tendency to derive pleasure from one's own pain or humiliation. This characteristic can manifest in various ways, including physical suffering or emotional suffering arising from embarrassing situations. In psychological terms, it may relate to masochism, where individuals find enjoyment in experiences that involve submission or self-inflicted pain. Often associated with certain types of relationships, this trait can also appear in non-sexual contexts, highlighting a complex interplay between pleasure and pain.
Synonyms
self-destructive, submissive, suffering
Examples of usage
- He had a masochistic urge to stay in toxic relationships.
- Her masochistic tendencies were evident in her choice of hobbies.
- The film depicted a masochistic character fascinated by suffering.
Translations
Translations of the word "masochistic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 masoquista
🇮🇳 मसोकिस्टिक
🇩🇪 masochistisch
🇮🇩 masokistik
🇺🇦 мазохістський
🇵🇱 masochistyczny
🇯🇵 マゾヒスティック
🇫🇷 masochiste
🇪🇸 masoquista
🇹🇷 mazoşist
🇰🇷 마조히즘의
🇸🇦 مازوشي
🇨🇿 mazochistický
🇸🇰 mazochistický
🇨🇳 受虐狂的
🇸🇮 mazohističen
🇮🇸 masókístískur
🇰🇿 мазохистік
🇬🇪 მაზოხისტური
🇦🇿 mazoxist
🇲🇽 masoquista
Etymology
The term 'masochistic' derives from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian writer who gained fame in the 19th century for his works that detailed sexual desire combined with pain and humiliation. His most renowned work, 'Venus in Furs', explores themes related to sadomasochism, revealing a complex interplay between pleasure and suffering. This combination of emotions inspired the psychological term 'masochism', coined in the late 19th century to describe individuals who find gratification in their own suffering. Masochism is often discussed in contrast to sadism, where the latter involves deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others. Over time, the word 'masochistic' has evolved in its usage, encompassing not just sexual contexts but also broader aspects of personality and behavior that involve self-suffering or a preference for painful experiences.