Freudian

adjective

Freud·​ian ˈfrȯi-dē-ən How to pronounce Freudian (audio)
: of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud
Freudian noun
Freudianism noun

Examples of Freudian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like crosswords, Freudian psychoanalysis runs on word association and linguistic substitutions. Anna Shechtman, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 But, without getting too Freudian, Thomas also reminds us that none of these suffering creatures are—or are only—types. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2024 While that Freudian analysis is certainly up for debate, there could be something to it. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2024 Is the entire country suffering from a Freudian desire to relive the consummation of high-school prom? Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2024 Or, for that matter, answer for the confusing Freudian world-building, crossover obsessions, and often dark-revisionist doomscrolling that’s characterized so much of this particular franchise. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2023 Along the way, Joe’s father shows up, triggering 15 minutes of mild Freudian trauma. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Dec. 2023 As predictable as the turf fights, Freudian jealousies and ultimate happy ending were, Brian Keith and Day (in her final big-screen performance) gave even the hokiest plot points wry authenticity. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 Newton and Pearce percolated these ideas while working for the less extreme theorist Harry Stack Sullivan during an era of exploding interest in Freudian psychology. Hannah E. Meyers, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Freudian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Freudian was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near Freudian

Cite this Entry

“Freudian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Freudian. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

Freudian

adjective
Freud·​ian ˈfrȯid-ē-ən How to pronounce Freudian (audio)
: of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Freud
Freudian noun
Freudianism noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!