Search Dictionary
Definition of superego

superego

/ˌsuː.pərˈiː.ɡoʊ/
su · per · e · go
Plural:superegos
JUMP TO:

superego Lexical Profile

superego Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In psychoanalytic theory, the part of the psyche that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting internalized moral standards learned from parents and society and regulating the instinctual drives of the id.

Example

"According to Freud, an overactive superego can result in excessive feelings of guilt and self-reproach."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for superego
Antonyms
View all antonyms for superego

• Rhymes for superego

• Nearby Words

superduper
supereffective
superefficient
superego
superexpensive
superfan
superfast

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1924 by British psychoanalyst Joan Riviere as a Latin-based calque of Sigmund Freud's German term 'Über-Ich' (literally 'over-I'), combining the Latin prefix 'super-' (above, over) with 'ego' (I).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Superego. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/superego
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.