anaclisis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (Psychoanalysis)
Quick answer
What does “anaclisis” mean?
In psychoanalytic theory, the dependence of an infant's early libidinal drives on non-sexual, instinctual needs like hunger and the consequent attachment to the caregiver who satisfies those needs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In psychoanalytic theory, the dependence of an infant's early libidinal drives on non-sexual, instinctual needs like hunger and the consequent attachment to the caregiver who satisfies those needs.
A foundational psychoanalytic concept describing the process where sexual instincts are initially 'leaning on' or supported by vital self-preservative functions, forming the basis for object relations and later love attachments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; term is uniformly technical.
Connotations
Purely clinical and theoretical; carries no emotional or colloquial connotation in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside professional psychoanalytic literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “anaclisis” in a Sentence
The [concept/theory/nature] of anaclisisAnaclisis [of sexual drives] on [instinctual needs]Anaclisis [plays a role/forms the basis]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anaclisis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The drives are said *to anaclitically depend* on earlier functions.
American English
- Sexual instincts are described as *anaclitically leaning on* vital needs.
adverb
British English
- The libido develops *anaclitically*.
American English
- The attachment formed *anaclitically* upon feeding.
adjective
British English
- The *anaclitic* relationship forms the prototype for later love.
American English
- He discussed the *anaclitic* stage of development.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central to psychoanalytic and certain developmental psychology texts; used in theoretical discussions of infant development and object relations.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Defined term in psychoanalysis, used in clinical case studies, theoretical papers, and training analyses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anaclisis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anaclisis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anaclisis”
- Mispronouncing it as 'ana-CLIH-sis' (correct: 'ana-CLY-sis').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to anaclise' is not standard).
- Confusing it with 'analysis'.
- Applying it outside a psychoanalytic framework.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized psychoanalytic term with no application in casual speech.
No, despite the similar spelling. It comes from the Greek 'anaklinein' (to lean upon), whereas 'analysis' comes from 'analyein' (to loosen).
The adjective is 'anaclitic', as in 'anaclitic depression' or 'anaclitic object-choice'.
Sigmund Freud introduced the term (German: Anlehnung) in his early work on the theory of sexuality.
In psychoanalytic theory, the dependence of an infant's early libidinal drives on non-sexual, instinctual needs like hunger and the consequent attachment to the caregiver who satisfies those needs.
Anaclisis is usually technical (psychoanalysis) in register.
Anaclisis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanəˈklaɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈklaɪsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms using 'anaclisis'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANA (Greek for 'upon') + CLISIS (sounds like 'clinging') → the infant's drives CLING UPON or lean on basic needs.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL DRIVE IS A VINE LEANING ON A SUPPORT (the self-preservative instinct).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'anaclisis' exclusively used?