Freudian

adjective

Freud·​ian ˈfrȯi-dē-ən 

: of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud

Freudian noun

Freudianism

ˈfrȯi-dē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

noun

Examples of Freudian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vomiting itself is a very expressive, hysterical—in the Freudian sense—act. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

The obligatory sanatoria are visited, the obligatory spa towns are frequented, the obligatory Freudian analyst is consulted. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

Phillips is a Freudian, but a selective and partial one, preferring to emphasize his predecessor’s sensitive, more literary aspects. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026

This squares nicely with the Freudian world view of repressed thoughts welling up, in dreams or in slips of the tongue. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Freudian

• Freudian slip
• Neo Freudian
• post-Freudian

Medical Definition

Freudian

adjective

Freud·​ian ˈfrȯid-ē-ən 

: of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Freud

Freudian noun

Freudianism

-ə-ˌniz-əm 

noun