masochism
masochism — noun
1. the condition of becoming sexually aroused by pain, humiliation, or being contro
the condition of becoming sexually aroused by pain, humiliation, or being controlled — whether at the hands of a partner or through one's own actions
Kofi confessed to Dr. Okafor that being dominated and humiliated was what aroused him — textbook masochism.
collocation: textbook masochism
In their bedroom, Reuben and his partner talked honestly about masochism and where to set clear limits.
Elena finally admitted she could only reach orgasm when humiliated — her masochism.
Piotr felt relieved when his therapist said masochism was a consensual practice, not a mental illness.
Nala could only reach climax when her partner held her down — she later learned this was masochism.
- sadism
sexual pleasure from inflicting pain on others, rather than receiving it
用法筆記
The original clinical term, used chiefly in psychology and medicine. Contrast with sense 2, which applies the idea metaphorically to everyday hardships.
常見錯誤
2. the habit of finding satisfaction in painful, difficult, or humiliating experien
the habit of finding satisfaction in painful, difficult, or humiliating experiences that nearly everyone else tries hard to avoid
Mei's friends said her daily runs in freezing weather were pure masochism.
collocation: pure masochism
Vikram joked that reading tax manuals for fun was a kind of masochism.
collocation: a kind of masochism
When Fatima volunteered for three night shifts in a row, the whole team called it masochism.
For Amina, enrolling in yet another degree programme was an exercise in masochism.
Theo called his habit of watching sad movies every weekend emotional masochism.
- self-punishment
emphasises hurting oneself, often out of guilt rather than enjoyment
- self-flagellation
more literary; typically refers to harsh self-criticism, not physical acts
- self-care
deliberately looking after one's own wellbeing, the opposite of seeking hardship
- self-preservation
the instinct to protect oneself from harm or difficulty
用法筆記
The everyday, figurative sense. Often used with exaggeration or dark humour. Common in spoken English with modifiers like 'sheer,' 'pure,' or 'emotional.'