Freudian

American  

[froi-dee-uhn] / ˈfrɔɪ di ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his doctrines, especially with respect to the causes and treatment of neurotic and psychopathic states, the interpretation of dreams, etc.

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noun

1. a person, especially a psychoanalyst, who adheres to the basic doctrines of Freud.

Freudian British  

/ ˈfrɔɪdɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his ideas

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noun

1. a person who follows or believes in the basic ideas of Sigmund Freud

Freudian Cultural  

1. Pertaining to or agreeing with the theories of Sigmund Freud.

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Other Word Forms

• Freudianism noun
• anti-Freudian adjective
• anti-Freudianism noun
• post-Freudian adjective
• pro-Freudian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Freudian

First recorded in 1905–10; Freud + -ian

Example Sentences

He has no apparent convictions, only Freudian longings for an idealized childhood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

After the opening day's action, Draper made a Freudian slip which initially proved quite telling.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025

It’s Freudian in a way that will make some people queasy.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2024

You could write a book about the Freudian relationship between the two buildings, linked by a tunnel carrying water and power — a connection Johnson called the “umbilical cord.”

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2024

With Bobby, Fine wanted to first gain the boy’s trust and respect by playing chess, and then begin classical Freudian analysis, in tandem with the group process.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady