What does masochism mean?
Masochism is the term for a tendency to derive pleasure from pain, humiliation, or other suffering that one experiences or voluntarily accepts, particularly in a sexual context. It is also used more broadly, sometimes critically or humorously, to describe persistent self-punishment, self-criticism, or a preference for degrading situations. The word should not be used to describe ordinary discomfort or disagreement. In discussions of sexuality, consent is important: consensual masochistic practices differ fundamentally from abuse imposed on someone without their informed agreement. Masochism is also conventionally paired with sadism, although the two are not interchangeable: sadism concerns pleasure derived from inflicting suffering on others. The term comes from the name of the French writer Marquis de Sade, whose literary reputation gave English two enduring and contrasting words.
nounA psychological or sexual tendency to derive pleasure from pain, humiliation, or suffering that is inflicted on oneself. The term is also used more generally for a persistent preference for self-punishment or self-degradation.
- A tendency to experience pleasure through pain, humiliation, or suffering inflicted on oneself, especially in a sexual context.
"The novel explores the relationship between masochism and the desire to be controlled."
"The film portrays masochism through a complex relationship involving physical pain and emotional control."
"Psychologists distinguish consensual masochism from abuse that is imposed without the participant’s informed consent."
The term is normally used as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon.
"The study compares different expressions of masochisms encountered in clinical practice."
The word takes its name from the 18th-century French writer Marquis de Sade, whose name became the source of both “masochism” and “sadism.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does masochism come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from the surname of the French writer Marquis de Sade, combined with the suffix -ism. It was modeled partly on “sadism,” which was also derived from his name and had entered English usage earlier. The related forms “masochist” and “masochistic” developed from the same name and root.
Related word forms
How masochism is actually used
In clinical and academic writing, the term is usually used carefully and may be qualified as sexual, consensual, or nonconsensual. In everyday use, it can be used figuratively for extreme self-criticism or a fondness for unpleasant situations, sometimes humorously.
Easily confused with masochism
Masochism involves deriving pleasure from pain or humiliation experienced by oneself, whereas sadism involves deriving pleasure from causing suffering to others.