superego

su·per·ego

noun \ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō also -ˈe-(ˌ)gō\

Definition of SUPEREGO

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt — compare ego, id

Origin of SUPEREGO

New Latin, translation of German Über-ich, from über over + ich I

First Known Use: 1919

su·per·ego

noun \ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō also ˈsü-pər-ˌ, -ˈeg-(ˌ)ō\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SUPEREGO

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt—compare ego, id[1]

superego

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, one of the three aspects of the human personality, along with the id and the ego. The last of the three elements to develop, the superego is the ethical component of the personality, providing the moral standards by which the ego operates. The superego is formed during the first five years of life in response to parental punishment and approval; children internalize their parents' moral standards as well as those of the surrounding society, and the developing superego serves to control aggressive or other socially unacceptable impulses. Violation of the superego's standards gives rise to feelings of guilt or anxiety.