What is another word for masochism?

Pronunciation: [mˈasəkˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Masochism is often defined as the desire or tendency to derive pleasure from one's own pain or humiliation. While there are many words that are similar in meaning to masochism, each carries a slightly different nuance. For example, "self-flagellation" specifically refers to the act of punishing oneself, whereas "sadomasochism" involves a mutual exchange of pain and pleasure between individuals. "Self-destructive behavior" typically implies actions that are harmful to oneself and/or society, whereas "Martyrdom" implies extreme self-sacrifice for a higher purpose. "Submissive" and "passive" refer more to behavior than to an enjoyment of pain. Ultimately, different words can be used depending on the specific context or situation.

Synonyms for Masochism:

What are the hypernyms for Masochism?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Masochism?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.

What are the opposite words for masochism?

Antonyms for the word "masochism" would include terms such as pleasure-seeking, hedonism, and sensualism. These words and their meanings convey a sense of deriving enjoyment and satisfaction from life's pleasurable experiences, rather than purposely seeking out pain or suffering. Other antonyms could include positive terms such as self-love, self-care, and self-respect which further highlight the importance of valuing oneself and one's well-being. These antonyms emphasize the opposite of masochism, which is self-destructive behavior that causes harm or pain to oneself. Understanding antonyms for the word masochism can help individuals recognize the importance of self-love and care, and lead a fulfilling and satisfying life.

What are the antonyms for Masochism?

  • n.

    deriving pleasure from pain

Usage examples for Masochism

In a thymo-centric, tendencies to homosexuality and masochism appear.
"The Glands Regulating Personality"
Louis Berman, M.D.
I do not say "nothing but" a masochist, because she is also a Sadist, for Sadism and masochism are complementary in the same person.
"A Dominie in Doubt"
A. S. Neill
Man's atonement consists in making himself as miserable as possible by praying, fasting, masochism, flagellations and other forms of torture.
"An Atheist Manifesto"
Joseph Lewis

Famous quotes with Masochism

  • A spirit of national masochism prevails, encouraged by an effete corps of impudent snobs who characterize themselves as intellectuals.
    Spiro Agnew
  • To divide people into sadists and masochists is almost as foolish as dividing them into eaters and digesters. In all cases one must disregard abnormalities; after all, there are people who are better at digesting than they are at eating and vice versa. As regards masochism and sadism, it is safe to say that a healthy person displays both perversities. The only ugly thing in each case is the word. The one derived from the novelist Leopold von Sacher-Masoch is particularly degrading, and it is hard not to let one's taste for things be spoiled by the designation. Nevertheless, a man with an artistic imagination will manage to let an authentic woman turn him into a masochist and an inauthentic one into a sadist. One knocks the latter's educated unnaturalness out of her until the woman is revealed. If she already is a woman, the only thing left to do is adore her.
    Karl Kraus
  • To the Satanist, martyrdom and non-personalized heroism is to be associated not with integrity, but with stupidity. This, of course, does not apply to the situations which involve the safety of a loved one. But to give one's own life for something as impersonal as a political or religious issue is the ultimate in masochism.
    Anton LaVey
  • The female life-force is characterized as a negative one: we are defined as inherently masochistic. [. . .] Sexual masochism actualizes female negativity, just as sexual sadism actualizes male positivity. A woman’s erotic femininity is measured by the degree to which she needs to be hurt, needs to be possessed, needs to be abused, needs to submit, needs to be beaten, needs to be humiliated, needs to be degraded.
    Andrea Dworkin
  • There is a strong strain of Protestant masochism in this [Nietzsche’s] assault on morality and ideology. … Framing this perspective is the Protest image of the utterly self-reliant, responsible individual.
    John Carroll

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