oral sadism

in classical psychoanalytic theory, the primitive urge to use the mouth, lips, and teeth as instruments of aggression, mastery, or sadistic sexual gratification. This impulse is believed to originate in the oral-biting phase of infancy.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

Thanatos

n. the personification of death and the brother of Hypnos (sleep) in Greek mythology, whose name was chosen by Sigmund Freud to designate a theoretical set of strivings oriented toward the reduction of tension and life activity (see death instinct). In Freud’s dual instinct theory, Thanatos is seen as involved in a dialectic process with Eros (love), the striving toward sexuality, continued development, and heightened experience (see life instinct). See also nirvana principle.