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Definition of sadomasochism

sadomasochism

/ˌseɪdoʊˈmæsəkɪzəm/
sa · do · mas · och · ism
Adverb:sadomasochistically
•
Adjective:sadomasochistic
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sadomasochism Lexical Profile

sadomasochism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The derivation of pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from the combined acts of inflicting and receiving physical pain or psychological humiliation.

Example

"The psychological study examined the complex interpersonal dynamics of consensual sadomasochism."

2

A non-sexual behavioral or psychological pattern in which a person simultaneously exhibits traits of dominance or cruelty alongside submission or self-defeating suffering.

Example

"Critics interpreted the protagonists' mutually destructive relationship as a form of emotional sadomasochism."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sadomasochism

• Rhymes for sadomasochism

• Nearby Words

sadistically
sadly
sadness
sadomasochism
sadomasochist
sadsack
safari

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from German Sadomasochismus, a compound combining 'sadism' (named after the French writer Marquis de Sade) and 'masochism' (named after the Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch).

Cite this Entry

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