Definition of superego
: 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
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Recent Examples of superego from the Web
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But there is a classic Freudian map to this anecdote: Cursing is the anarchic and uncivilized id, while the superego (associated with the father) is represented by the cops, and the ideal of an earlier, more orderly New York.
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The curator was like the superego, burying ninety-nine per cent of thoughts in the dark.
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Mr. Clooney’s character, Lee Gates, is the kind of charming, egotistic broadcast peacock who requires a tough, honest, outwardly-cynical-but-secretly-idealistic, behind-the-scenes superego.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superego.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of superego
New Latin, translation of German Über-ich, from über over + ich I
SUPEREGO Defined for English Language Learners
superego
playDefinition of superego for English Language Learners
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psychology : a part of a person's mind that relates to attitudes about what is right and wrong and to feelings of guilt
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of superego
: 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[1]
Learn More about superego
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Britannica English: Translation of superego for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superego
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