Psychoanalysis
/ˌsaɪ.kəʊ.əˈnæl.ɪ.sɪs/noun
A therapeutic method of treating mental disorders by analyzing unconscious thoughts and feelings.
Did you know?The term 'psychoanalysis' was coined by Sigmund Freud, who believed that exploring the unconscious could unlock hidden desires and traumas.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ψυχή (psychē)
“soul, spirit, mind.”
18th Century
German
Psychoanalyse
“the systematic study of the mind and its workings.”
Late 19th Century
German
Psychoanalyse
“a method of psychological treatment developed by Freud.”
Early 20th Century
English
psychoanalysis
“the clinical practice of analyzing one's psyche and unconscious.”
Modern English
English
psychoanalysis
“the broader application of Freud's theories in therapy and psychology.”