psychic apparatus

American  

[sahy-kik ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs] / ˈsaɪ kɪk ˌæp əˈræt əs, -ˈreɪ təs /

noun

Psychoanalysis.

1. the mind considered as a collection of structures and mechanisms, such as ego, superego, and id.

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Etymology

Origin of psychic apparatus

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

We have above elaborated the fiction of a primitive psychic apparatus, whose work is regulated by the efforts to avoid accumulation of excitement and as far as possible to maintain itself free from excitement.

From Dream Psychology Psychoanalysis for Beginners by Freud, Sigmund

We may only venture to say that pleasurable excitation in some way involves lessening, lowering or obliterating the amount of stimuli present in the psychic apparatus.

From A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Freud, Sigmund

It thus appears that we can describe the tasks and performances of the psychic apparatus in different and more generalized terms than by the emphasis of the pursuit of pleasure.

From A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Freud, Sigmund

His psychic apparatus never failed in letting him know the proximity of an incarnate or discarnate being.

From Three More John Silence Stories by Blackwood, Algernon

Thus far we have elaborated the plan of the psychic apparatus; these two systems are the germ of the Unc. and Forec, which we include in the fully developed apparatus.

From Dream Psychology Psychoanalysis for Beginners by Freud, Sigmund