phallic stage

in the classical psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, the third stage of psychosexual development beginning around age 3, when the libido is focused on the genital area (penis or clitoris) and discovery and manipulation of the body become a major source of pleasure. During this period, boys are posited to experience castration anxiety, girls to experience penis envy, and both to experience the Oedipus complex. Also called phallic phase.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

definite article

in linguistics, an article (e.g., the in English) used with a noun phrase to indicate reference to a specific entity that has been or is about to be defined, as in The patient died last night or The patient who died last night. Compare indefinite article.