Freudian

[ froi-dee-uhn ]

/ ˈfrɔɪ di ən /

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adjective

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.

noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Freudian

First recorded in 1905–10; Freud + -ian

OTHER WORDS FROM Freudian

Freud·i·an·ism, nounan·ti-Freud·i·an, adjective, nounan·ti-Freud·i·an·ism, nounpost-Freud·i·an, adjective

pro-Freud·i·an, adjective, noun

Words nearby Freudian

fret saw, fretted, fretty, fretwork, Freud, Freudian, Freudian slip, Freud, Sigmund, Freund's adjuvant, Frey, Freya

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Freudian in a sentence

The sole exception is an absconder of one of the magical objects, played by David Thewlis, who wrings some Freudian pathos from his damaged character, a wronged man who has yet to realize he’s become a monster.
‘The Sandman’ suggests some comics are better left off-screen|Inkoo Kang|August 5, 2022|Washington Post
I mean, people use this term vernacularly without probably even knowing that that’s Freudian in its origins.
Introducing “No Stupid Questions” (Ep. 422)|Stephen J. Dubner|June 18, 2020|Freakonomics
In moments of duress, a different self manifests with acts of destruction: unleashed id in Freudian, or Incredible Hulk, terms.
A Different Kind of Vietnam Story|J.T. Price|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On a Freudian level, this social stigma against bad mothers reflects a deep-seated anxiety about maternal relationships.
Postpartum Stigma: Why My Patient Committed Suicide|Jean Kim|August 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST

By the early 20th century, Freudian ideas began changing attitudes toward intimacy.
What the Sex Lives of the Founding Fathers Reveal About Us|Eric Herschthal|February 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, in an apparent Freudian slip, he said, “We must replace the discredited president.”
Looking Back at Past SOTU Addresses|Eleanor Clift|January 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Quell is a feral creature; a personification of the Freudian id.
Why Joaquin Phoenix, Who Wows in ‘Her,’ Is the Greatest Actor Alive|Marlow Stern|December 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It is only fair to admit that Margaret seems to have been a Freudian herself long before there was a Freud.
Seeing Things at Night|Heywood Broun
He's a desperate Freudian, you know, and they're not nearly so good as the others.
Dangerous Ages|Rose Macaulay
The child and the primitive man, as we have long known them in the Freudian theories, live still in us and are indestructible.
The Psychology of Nations|G.E. Partridge
The Freudian view emphasizes the influence of sex; Buckle maintains that the effect of climate is all-powerful.
The Planters of Colonial Virginia|Thomas J. Wertenbaker
That the playwright must have studied the Freudian theories seems more than probable.
The Lonely Way--Intermezzo--Countess Mizzie|Arthur Schnitzler

British Dictionary definitions for Freudian

Freudian

/ (ˈfrɔɪdɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his ideas

noun

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

Derived forms of Freudian

Freudianism, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Freudian

Freudian

Pertaining to or agreeing with the theories of Sigmund Freud.