superego

noun

su·​per·​ego ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō 

also

-ˈe-(ˌ)gō 

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt compare ego, id

Examples of superego in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If Rubio is the president’s superego, Miller is his id, and American foreign policy is the complex. —Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

The character is caught between a manic id fueled equally by a painful breakup and the lust of new love, and the debilitating superego induced by the same life events. —Anna Peele, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025

This satisfies the superego and ensures America’s influence remains aspirational, not prescriptive. —Sean P. Brooks, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025

At some point Jeremy decided to set fire to the ol’ superego and put away several shots served in neon plastic shot glasses, encouraging us to do the same. —Andrew Martin, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, translation of German Über-ich, from über over + ich I

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for superego

• gallego

Medical Definition

superego

noun

su·​per·​ego

ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō also ˈsü-pər-ˌ, -ˈeg-(ˌ)ō

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt compare ego, id entry 1