penis envy
noun
: 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
Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Penis envy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penis%20envy. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
penis envy
noun
penis en·vy
-ˌen-vē 
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on penis envy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penis envy
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