Oedipus complex

Oedipus complex

noun

Definition of OEDIPUS COMPLEX

1

: a child's positive libidinal feelings toward the parent of the opposite sex and hostile or jealous feelings toward the parent of the same sex that develop usually between the ages of three and six and that may be a source of adult personality disorder when unresolved—used especially of the male child; see electra complex

2

: the unresolved oedipal feelings persisting into adult life