What does sadomasochistic mean?
Sadomasochistic is an adjective meaning related to sadomasochism, a complex involving both the infliction and reception of pain, humiliation, domination, or submission, usually within a sexual or intimate context. It is therefore more specific than either sadistic or masochistic alone: sadistic emphasizes deriving pleasure or satisfaction from harming or dominating another person, while masochistic emphasizes deriving pleasure from suffering, humiliation, or being subjected to another person's control. Sadomasochistic combines these elements and is especially common in discussions of BDSM, where consent, trust, boundaries, and negotiated power exchange may be central. The word also appears in literary criticism, psychology, and cultural commentary, sometimes with a sensational or stigmatizing tone. Its unusual history comes from the names of two writers whose names became enduring labels for cruelty and suffering. Today, the term is most useful when precision matters and a broader label is needed than sadistic or masochistic provides.
adjectiveRelating to or involving sadomasochism, especially a sexual or consensual dynamic in which pain, humiliation, domination, or submission combines inflicting suffering with receiving it.
- Relating to sadomasochism and involving combinations of inflicting and receiving pain, humiliation, domination, or submission.
"The novel explores a sadomasochistic relationship built around power, control, and trust."
"The novel explores a sadomasochistic relationship built around power, control, and trust."
"The review used "sadomasochistic" to characterize the work's recurring imagery of domination and submission."
One compound word captures two contrasting patterns: taking control through suffering and surrendering to it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sadomasochistic come from?
The compound was formed in the late nineteenth century from sadism and masochism. Sadism was named after the French writer the Marquis de Sade, whose writings became associated with cruelty and sexual violence, while masochism was named after the Austrian writer Leopold von Masoch, whose fiction emphasized humiliation and suffering. The combined term designated a relationship or practice in which sadistic and masochistic elements occur together.
Related word forms
How sadomasochistic is actually used
This is primarily a specialized term used in discussions of psychology, sexuality, literature, and BDSM. It can sound clinical or sensational in popular contexts, so its use may depend on whether the intended meaning is analytical, descriptive, or deliberately provocative.
Easily confused with sadomasochistic
Masochistic refers specifically to deriving pleasure from receiving pain, humiliation, or suffering, whereas sadomasochistic combines masochism with sadistic elements involving the infliction of suffering or the exercise of dominance.