pygmalionism

pyg·ma·lion·ism

noun, often capitalized \pig-ˈmāl-yən-ˌiz-əm\

Definition of PYGMALIONISM

: sexual responsiveness directed toward a statue or other representation especially when of one's own making

Biographical Note for PYGMALIONISM

Pyg·ma·lion \pig-ˈmāl-yən, -ˈmā-lē-ən\ Greek mythological character. According to the most common version of the myth, Pygmalion was a king of Cyprus and a sculptor who created a beautiful ivory statue representing his ideal of womanhood. He then fell in love with his own creation. In answer to his prayer the goddess Aphrodite brought the statue to life.