sadomasochism

[ sey-doh-mas-uh-kiz-uhm, -maz-, sad-oh- ]

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

/ ˌseɪdəʊˈmæsəˌkɪzəm; ˌsædəʊ- /

noun

1. the combination of sadistic and masochistic elements in one person, characterized by both aggressive and submissive periods in relationships with others
2. See masochism, sadism
   sexual practice in which one partner adopts a sadistic role and the other a masochistic one AbbreviationSMS & M Compare sadism masochism

Derived Forms

• ˌsadomasoˈchistic, adjective

Other Words From

• sa·do·mas·o·chist noun adjective
• sa·do·mas·o·chis·tic [sey-doh-mas-, uh, -, kis, -tik, -maz-, sad-oh-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadomasochism¹

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

Related Words

• malice