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sadomasochism

[ sey-doh-mas-uh-kiz-uhm, -maz-, sad-oh- ]
/ ˌseɪ doʊˈmæs əˌkɪz əm, -ˈmæz-, ˌsæd oʊ- /
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noun
interaction, especially sexual activity, in which one person enjoys inflicting physical or mental suffering on another person, who derives pleasure from experiencing pain.
gratification, especially sexual, gained through inflicting and receiving pain; sadism and masochism combined. Abbreviations: S&M, S and M
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Origin of sadomasochism

First recorded in 1915–20; sad- (see sadism) + -o- + masochism

OTHER WORDS FROM sadomasochism

sa·do·mas·o·chist, noun, adjectivesa·do·mas·o·chis·tic [sey-doh-mas-uh-kis-tik, -maz-, sad-oh-], /ˌseɪ doʊˌmæs əˈkɪs tɪk, -ˌmæz-, ˌsæd oʊ-/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for sadomasochism

sadomasochism
/ (ˌseɪdəʊˈmæsəˌkɪzəm, ˌsædəʊ-) /

noun
the combination of sadistic and masochistic elements in one person, characterized by both aggressive and submissive periods in relationships with others
sexual practice in which one partner adopts a sadistic role and the other a masochistic oneAbbreviation: SM, S & M Compare sadism, masochism

Derived forms of sadomasochism

sadomasochistic, adjective
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
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