anaclitic

adjective

an·​a·​clit·​ic ˌa-nə-ˈkli-tik How to pronounce anaclitic (audio)
: of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (such as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (such as hunger)

Word History

Etymology

Greek anaklitos, verbal of anaklinein to lean upon, from ana- + klinein to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaclitic was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near anaclitic

Cite this Entry

“Anaclitic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaclitic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

anaclitic

adjective
an·​a·​clit·​ic an-ə-ˈklit-ik How to pronounce anaclitic (audio)
: of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (as hunger)
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