sadomasochism

noun

sa·do·mas·och·ism | \ ˌsā-(ˌ)dō-ˈma-sə-ˌki-zəm

, ˌsa-, -ˈma-zə-\

Definition of sadomasochism

: the derivation of sexual gratification from the infliction of physical pain or humiliation either on another person or on oneself — compare masochism, sadism

Other Words from sadomasochism Example Sentences Learn More about sadomasochism

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Other Words from sadomasochism

sadomasochist \ ˌsā-(ˌ)dō-ˈma-sə-kist

, ˌsa- , -ˈma-zə- \ noun or adjective

sadomasochistic \ ˌsā-(ˌ)dō-ˌma-sə-ˈki-stik

, ˌsa- , -ˌma-zə- \ adjective

Examples of sadomasochism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Up until the 1980s, S&M (sadomasochism) was classified as an actual mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. — Gigi Engle, Marie Claire, "7 Things You Didn't Know About "Spanking Therapy"," 4 Aug. 2017 The narratives will converge, but not before traversing a louche landscape of sadomasochism and genital mutilation. — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: In ‘The Limehouse Golem,’ Bawdy Limericks and Bloody Corpses," 7 Sep. 2017 Police also searched his phone and found visits to a sadomasochism fetish website with discussion threads on kidnapping fantasies. — Dawn Rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Family of missing Chinese scholar at U. of I. speaks of pain and uncertainty," 22 Aug. 2017 But the debate over whether the film is a statement of feminist empowerment or masochism — or whether Mr. Verhoeven has forged a new genre: screwball sadomasochism? — Rachel Donadio, New York Times, "‘Elle,’ Starring Isabelle Huppert as a Rape Victim Who Turns the Tables, Rivets Critics," 3 June 2016 Blood, sadomasochism, handcuffs and prison cells — this was erotic torment underlined by swirling soul-rock arrangements. — Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, "Greg Dulli's retooled Afghan Whigs push on 'In Spades'," 5 May 2017 A six-character piece for women, the play is a fascinating rococo experiment in power—the sadomasochism that, for Fassbinder, at least, defines most human interactions. — Hilton Als, The New Yorker, "Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Sadomasochism," 27 Feb. 2017 Mistress Ruby Ties It Together, which explores the bizarre world of sadomasochism. — M.j. Rose, WIRED, "Twelve-Minute Book Delivery," 17 July 2001 The website bills itself as a place for users to connect with other people interested in bondage, sadomasochism and more obscure sexual fetish fantasies. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Washington Post, "Man accused of abducting Chinese grad student had visited kidnap fetish website, feds say," 1 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sadomasochism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.