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penis envy

noun

Definition of penis envy

: the supposed coveting of the penis by a young human female which is held in Freudian psychoanalytic theory to lead to feelings of inferiority and defensive or compensatory behavior

First Known Use of penis envy

1924

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

penis envy

noun penis en·vy \ -ˌen-vē \

medical Definition of penis envy

: the supposed coveting of the penis by a young human female which is held in Freudian psychoanalytic theory to lead to feelings of inferiority and defensive or compensatory behavior

Learn More about penis envy

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penis envy

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