Masochism
/ˈmæs.ə.kɪz.əm/noun
The tendency to derive sexual or psychological gratification from experiencing pain, humiliation, or subjection.
Did you know?The term was coined from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, whose novels—especially Venus in Furs—depicted eroticized submission and suffering.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
-ismos
“A suffix forming nouns for practices, doctrines, or conditions.”
1836–1895
German
Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
“The Austrian writer whose name became the source of the modern term.”
1870
German
Venus im Pelz
“Sacher-Masoch’s novel Venus in Furs, portraying eroticized submission and suffering.”
1886
German
Masochismus
“A term introduced by psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing for deriving gratification from suffering or subjection.”
1890s
English
masochism
“The English form, adopted as a psychological and sexual term.”
Modern English
English
masochism
“Gratification obtained through pain, humiliation, or subjection, including nonsexual uses.”