Sadomasochism Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms sadomasochism American [sey-doh-mas-uh-kiz-uhm, -maz-, sad-oh-] / ˌseɪ doʊˈmæs əˌkɪz əm, -ˈmæz-, ˌsæd oʊ- /

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 British / 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. Abbreviation: SM. S M. sexual practice in which one partner adopts a sadistic role and the other a masochistic one Compare sadism masochism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• sadomasochist noun
• sadomasochistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of sadomasochism

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in the same year, we were also knocked sideways by sex: oodles of it, courtesy of a former TV studio manager turned ringmistress of sadomasochism.

From The Guardian

Since launching in Berlin in 1995, the band has courted controversy with its albums, which have touched on such subjects as sadomasochism, homosexuality, incest, abuse, necrophilia, pyromania, cannibalism and sexual violence.

From Reuters

The directors—including Patty Jenkins, who directed Pine in “Wonder Woman”—approach their star with an attitude of jocular sadomasochism.

From The New Yorker

He says the men introduced the boy to sadomasochism.

From Seattle Times

One search, according to Politico, uncovered a post by someone using the same alias on a website frequented by people interested in bondage and sadomasochism.

From Fox News

Related Words

• malice

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.