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

Derived Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of Freudian

First recorded in 1905–10; Freud + -ian

Example Sentences

Freudian analysts have made Oedipus the leading name in complexes, while Antigone has gotten a boost from educators seeking a counterweight to the male perspective typical of ancient texts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

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

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025

And psychoanalyze all the movies on a Freudian level.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2025

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

Never argue with your wife about hostility when she’s a certified Freudian.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman