masochistic
masochistic — adjective
- masochisticpositive
- more masochisticcomparative
- most masochisticsuperlative
1. describing a person who feels sexual excitement when they suffer physical pain o
describing a person who feels sexual excitement when they suffer physical pain or are told what to do by another person; relating to the sexual practice commonly referred to as masochism
Dr. Adina explained that masochistic behaviour in relationships often stems from early childhood experiences.
masochistic behaviour + domain: psychology
The novel's hero has masochistic desires that trap him in painful relationships.
masochistic desires + attributive use
Inês found it difficult to discuss her masochistic fantasies with her therapist at first.
Priya told her therapist that her masochistic relationship had begun with simple games of pretend.
Carlos felt ashamed of his masochistic fantasies and worried what his girlfriend would think.
- submissive
focuses on yielding to another's control, not necessarily linked to sexual pleasure or pain
- sadistic
deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others rather than receiving it
文法句型
masochistic + noun
seem/appear + masochistic
find + noun + masochistic
用法筆記
This sense appears most often in clinical psychology texts and discussions of human sexuality. Outside these contexts, speakers usually intend the figurative sense (sense 2).
常見錯誤
2. describing behaviour where a person seems to take pleasure in choosing difficult
describing behaviour where a person seems to take pleasure in choosing difficult or painful experiences that other people would naturally try to avoid
Meera called her weekend schedule almost masochistic but refused to cancel any of it.
almost masochistic [self-aware exaggeration]
Three marathons in two weeks seems like a masochistic pursuit for a non-professional athlete.
masochistic pursuit + seems like + noun phrase
Returning to his old job had a masochistic quality Jabari could not explain.
Biking across Canada in winter was a masochistic idea, but Anong signed up anyway.
Esme thought her brother's habit of watching sad films was mildly masochistic.
- self-destructive
focuses on causing harm to oneself rather than any element of pleasure or satisfaction
- self-defeating
emphasises that a behaviour works against the person's own goals, without necessarily implying enjoyment
- perverse
suggests a stubborn or contrary choice that goes against reason, with less emphasis on pain
- self-caring
acting in a way that protects one's own wellbeing
- sensible
making choices that are practical and beneficial
文法句型
masochistic + noun
seem/appear + masochistic
find + noun + masochistic
用法筆記
More common in everyday language than sense 1. Often used with a tone of mild surprise or disbelief about someone's life choices. Frequently modified by almost, nearly, or somewhat to indicate the speaker is exaggerating.