reality principle

American  

noun

Psychoanalysis.

1. the motivating force or mechanism by which the child, who has previously sought immediate gratification of all wishes, realizes that gratification must sometimes be deferred or forgone.

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reality principle British  

noun

1. psychoanal control of behaviour by the ego to meet the conditions imposed by the external world

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Etymology

Origin of reality principle

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Leaders don’t get power if they don’t maneuver; but they misuse their power if they don’t also defer to the reality principle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

On an existential level, they might have done their best by us, but I think in terms of the reality principle, maybe less so.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2018

On the heels of doubt came a surge of joy: "Still got it," crowed some perverse inner imp in silent congratulation, jackbooting the reality principle into assent.

From Newsweek • Mar. 20, 2015

Originally the film’s exaggerated, folkloric comic spark, he winds up as its reality principle and the bearer of its tragic weight.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2014

Meg Tilly, as his young friend, plays the reality principle with winning spunk.

From Time Magazine Archive