What does sadomasochist mean?
A sadomasochist is a person who derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on someone, from receiving pain or humiliation, or from both. The term combines “sadism,” associated with inflicting suffering, and “masochism,” associated with receiving it. It is more comprehensive than either “sadist” or “masochist” because it does not require the person to occupy only the dominant or only the submissive role. In discussions of literature, psychology, and sexual practices, the word is generally descriptive and is associated with negotiated consent, explicit boundaries, and the distinction between consensual role-play and abuse. It can be used clinically and academically, while casual or derogatory use to label an unpleasant person risks misleading readers because ordinary cruelty or difficulty does not by itself establish a sexual sadomasochistic practice.
nounA person who derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on another person, from receiving such treatment, or from both.
- A person who enjoys sexually inflicting pain or humiliation on another person, receiving such treatment, or both.
"The novel examines the relationship between a sadomasochist and a willing partner with sharply contrasting power dynamics."
"The gallery hosted an exhibition by a prominent sadomasochist whose work explores consent and vulnerability."
"In the novel, the sadomasochist carefully negotiates each intense encounter with the submissive partner."
The plural is used when referring to multiple people who practice or embody sadomasochism.
"Experienced sadomasochists often emphasize the importance of clear communication and informed consent."
One word, coined from the name of the Marquis de Sade, covers both giving and receiving pain for sexual gratification.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sadomasochist come from?
The compound was formed from “sadism” and “masochism,” both of which derive from the name of the eighteenth-century French writer the Marquis de Sade. “Sadism” developed from his surname, while “masochism” was formed with the suffix “-ism” from his name in a different form. Adding the person-forming suffix “-ist” produced a term for someone associated with these practices, and the two concepts were subsequently combined.
Related word forms
How sadomasochist is actually used
This is a clinical or descriptive term rather than an everyday insult. It generally implies a sexual context and should be applied only to someone who has consented to the relevant activity; using it loosely of a harsh or dominant person can be misleading and potentially harmful.
Easily confused with sadomasochist
A sadist specifically seeks sexual gratification from inflicting pain or humiliation, whereas a sadomasochist may either inflict it, receive it, or do both.
A masochist specifically seeks gratification from receiving pain or humiliation, whereas the compound term sadomasochist also encompasses people who impose it.