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Definition of masochist

masochist

/ˈmæsəkɪst/
mas · o · chist
Adverb:masochistically
•
Plural:masochists
•
Adjective:masochistic
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masochist Lexical Profile

masochist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who appears to enjoy an activity or situation that seems tedious, painful, or unpleasant (used informally or humorously).

Example

"Only a true masochist would volunteer to audit ten years of handwritten tax receipts over a holiday weekend."

2

A person who derives sexual or psychological gratification from their own physical pain or humiliation.

Example

"The psychiatric textbook contrasted the clinical profile of a masochist with that of a sadist."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for masochist
Antonyms
View all antonyms for masochist

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'masochist' (a person who derives pleasure from their own pain or humiliation) with 'sadist' (a person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others).

• Rhymes for masochist

• Nearby Words

masklike
maskne
masochism
masochist
masochistic
masochistically
mason

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from 'masochism', named by German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing after the Austrian novelist Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), whose literary works explored themes of submission and suffering.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Masochist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/masochist
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