Sadomasochism - meaning and definition
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Definition
The consensual giving (sadism) or receiving (masochism) of intense sensation or controlled discomfort for pleasure or emotional release.
At a glance
- In kink, sadomasochism means mutual, agreed giving or receiving of intense sensation.
- A masochist may find it cathartic or grounding; a sadist enjoys providing it to someone who wants it.
- Endorphin release and altered states of mind are thought to help explain the appeal.
- Clinical manuals distinguish consensual sadomasochism from sexual sadism disorder.
- Negotiation, limits, safewords and aftercare are central to consensual practice.
In detail
In a kink context, sadism and masochism describe mutual, agreed enjoyment, not cruelty. A masochist may find intense sensation pleasurable, cathartic or grounding; a sadist enjoys providing it to someone who wants it. Researchers suggest that endorphin release and the altered states of mind involved help explain the appeal.
The words have older clinical and literary meanings, which can cause confusion. Clinical manuals distinguish consensual sadomasochism, which is not a disorder, from sexual sadism disorder, which involves non-consenting people or causes significant distress. Negotiation, limits, safewords and aftercare are central to consensual practice.
In a sentence
- In the kink sense, sadomasochism is about consent, not cruelty.
- The book explains how the word sadomasochism changed from a clinical label to a community term.
Where the word comes from
Built from the names of the writers the Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. Psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing popularised the terms sadism and masochism in the 1880s; the combined word followed in early 20th-century psychology.
Not to be confused with
- Paraphilia
Consensual sadomasochism between adults is not classified as a disorder.
Common questions
Is sadomasochism a mental disorder?
Consensual sadomasochism between adults is not classed as a disorder. Clinical manuals reserve a diagnosis for cases that involve non-consenting people or cause significant distress or impairment.
What does S&M stand for?
S&M is a short form of sadism and masochism, or sadomasochism. It is one of the older strands later brought together under the umbrella term BDSM.