Sadomasochism
Pleasure derived from inflicting or receiving pain or humiliation.
Sadomasochism, often shortened to S&M, is the experience of pleasure from either giving or receiving pain or humiliation. Its name comes from two authors: the Marquis de Sade, a French writer famous for his violent and libertine life and works, and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian writer whose novels depicted masochistic fantasies. While these behaviors and desires don’t have to be sexual, sadomasochism is a key part of consensual BDSM relationships.
The terms sadism and masochism were first used in psychiatry by Richard von Krafft-Ebing, and later expanded on by Sigmund Freud. Today, experts separate consensual BDSM from non-consensual sexual violence; the DSM-5 and ICD-11 consider consensual sadomasochism non-pathological. S&M can involve different levels of pain, dominance, and submission, and is practiced by people of any gender, often within negotiated roles like sadist, masochist, or switch. Forensic and medical classifications focus on consent and harm.
The word itself is a blend of sadism and masochism. Sadism comes from Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), whose writings included graphic scenes of violent sex, rape, torture, and murder, with characters who enjoyed inflicting pain. Masochism comes from Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), whose novels, especially *Venus in Furs*, explored his fantasies of receiving pain and degradation. Krafft-Ebing introduced these terms clinically in 1890. In 1905, Freud described them as stemming from abnormal childhood development, influenced by Krafft-Ebing. The compound term “sado-masochism” was first used by Viennese psychoanalyst Isidor Isaak Sadger in 1913. Earlier DSM classifications of sexual psychopathology were criticized as unscientific; the DSM-5 now labels consensual kinky interests like BDSM as non-pathological “unusual sexual interests,” reserving diagnoses for nonconsensual or harmful behaviors.
Sadomasochism has ancient roots, with some scholars seeing it as part of human culture. One early example is an Egyptian love song where a man wishes to be subjugated by a woman. Roman historian Juvenal described a woman who submitted to whipping by followers of Pan. Early libertine writers like John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, promoted ideas now linked to sadomasochism.
Krafft-Ebing’s 1886 work *Psychopathia Sexualis* defined masochism in terms of control, not necessarily pain. Freud noted that sadi
- field
- Psychiatry, psychoanalysis, sexology
- known_for
- Derivation of pleasure from inflicting or receiving pain or humiliation; named after Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
- introduced_by
- Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1890) and Sigmund Freud (1905)
- first_compound_usage
- Isidor Isaak Sadger (1913)
- modern_classification
- DSM-5 and ICD-11 recognize consensual sadomasochism as non-pathological
Lore & Background
The word sadomasochism is a portmanteau of sadism and masochism, originating from the names of two authors. Sadism is named after Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), whose major works include graphic descriptions of violent sex acts, rape, torture, and murder, and whose characters often derive pleasure from inflicting pain on others. Masochism is named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), whose novels explored his masochistic fantasies of receiving pain and degradation, particularly his novel Venus im Pelz ("Venus in Furs").
Reader's Guide
German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing introduced the terms sadism and masochism into clinical use in 1890. Sigmund Freud described them in 1905 as stemming from aberrant psychological development from early childhood. The first compound usage of 'sado-masochism' was by Viennese psychoanalyst Isidor Isaak Sadger in 1913. Modern understanding distinguishes consensual BDSM practices from non-consensual sexual violence, with DSM-5 and ICD-11 recognizing consensual sadomasochism as non-pathological. Sadomasochism has been practiced since ancient times, with one of the oldest surviving narratives being an Egyptian love song expressing a desire for subjugation. Surveys from the 2000s suggest 5 to 25 percent of the population practices sexual behavior related to pain or dominance and submission. The concept remains debated, with philosopher Gilles Deleuze arguing that Freud's model conflates fundamentally distinct realms.
Did You Know?
- The term sadomasochism is a portmanteau of sadism and masochism, named after Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch.
- Richard von Krafft-Ebing introduced the terms sadism and masochism into clinical use in 1890.
- The first compound usage of 'sado-masochism' was by Viennese psychoanalyst Isidor Isaak Sadger in 1913.
- DSM-5 and ICD-11 recognize consensual sadomasochism as non-pathological.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sadomasochism?
Sadomasochism (commonly abbreviated S&M) is the experience of finding pleasure in either inflicting or receiving pain and humiliation. It serves as a foundational element within consensual BDSM relationships, though the underlying desires can also exist outside a strictly sexual context.
Where does Sadomasochism's name come from?
The term fuses two literary figures: the Marquis de Sade, a French author celebrated for his extreme libertine writings, and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian novelist whose fiction explored masochistic fantasies. The compound word entered print in 1913 through Isidor Isaak Sadger.
What are Sadomasochism's core 'powers' or function?
At its center, Sadomasochism operates on the principle that pain, control, or humiliation—when freely and consensually exchanged—can generate intense sensory and emotional pleasure. It covers a broad spectrum ranging from light sensation play to more structured power-exchange dynamics.
How did Sadomasochism receive its clinical classification?
Psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing first coined the terms sadism and masochism in 1890, and Sigmund Freud later broadened the psychoanalytic framework in 1905. Modern diagnostic systems such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11 now explicitly classify consensual sadomasochism as non-pathological.
Why is Sadomasochism important in the broader landscape?
It stands as one of the most widely recognized and studied axes of human sexual expression, linking psychology, sexuality, and identity. Its formal clinical acknowledgment as a non-disorder marks a significant milestone for the communities who practice it.
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