phallic
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
a phallic symbol
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psychoanal
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relating to a stage of psychosexual development during which a male child's interest is concentrated on the genital organs
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designating personality traits, such as conceit and self-assurance, due to fixation at the phallic stage of development Compare anal oral genital
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(in Freudian theory) denoting a phase of early childhood in which there is a belief that both sexes possess a phallus
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of or relating to phallicism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of phallic
From the Greek word phallikós, dating back to 1780–90. See phallus, -ic
Explanation
Phallic means resembling or related to a penis: people often talk about phallic shapes, like the Washington Monument. When you see phallic, think penis. Calling something phallic means it's penis-like in some way. In some cases, that means it has creative power, like how a penis, through sex, creates new life. In other cases, people just mean it looks like the shape of a penis. Many people have looked at phallic shapes in the world — such as missiles and many sculptures — and wondered what exactly the creators were thinking about.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Students at a London university say a proposed "phallic" sculpture by Sir Antony Gormley could "hurt the image and reputation" of the institution.
From BBC • Aug. 5, 2022
She watches “Peppa Pig,” which I, of course, hate — those British pigs with their phallic noses prattling on about nothing.
From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2022
The mayor of a town in Malta has called for a "phallic" sculpture displayed close to the main airport to be removed ahead of the Pope's visit this weekend.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2010
He was a strong opponent of the cult of Siva, then predominant in southern India, and of phallic worship.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
Different antiquarians have believed them to be fire-temples of the Druids, phallic emblems, astronomical observatories, anchorite towers or penitential prisons.
From The Charm of Ireland by Stevenson, Burton Egbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
