Main Entry: psy·cho·anal·y·sis

Pronunciation: \ˌsī-kō-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs\

Variant(s): also psych·anal·y·sis \ˌsī-kə-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural psy·cho·anal·y·ses \-ˌsēz\

1 : a method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating mental and emotional disorders that is based on the concepts and theories of Sigmund Freud, that emphasizes the importance of free association and dream analysis, and that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dreams
2 : a body of empirical findings and a set of theories on human motivation, behavior, and personality development that developed especially with the aid of psychoanalysis
3 : a school of psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy founded by Sigmund Freud and rooted in and applying psychoanalysis