masochist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Clinical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “masochist” mean?
A person who derives pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from their own pain, humiliation, or suffering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who derives pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from their own pain, humiliation, or suffering.
In general and often non-clinical usage, a person who seems to enjoy or repeatedly puts themselves in situations that are unpleasant, frustrating, or painful (e.g., a workaholic, a person who stays in a bad relationship, or someone who chooses extremely difficult hobbies).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. Usage patterns are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: strongly negative in literal/clinical sense, often humorous or hyperbolic in the metaphorical sense.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. The metaphorical use is common in journalism and casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “masochist” in a Sentence
[be/consider oneself] a masochistmasochist who + verblike a masochistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masochist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He seems to masochistically volunteer for the graveyard shift.
- The character masochistically embraces his degradation.
American English
- She masochistically signed up for another marathon despite her injury.
- He masochistically subjects himself to endless criticism.
adverb
British English
- He smiled masochistically as the deadline approached.
- She masochistically reread the hurtful comments.
American English
- He masochistically keeps watching his team lose, year after year.
- She masochistically agreed to organize the office party again.
adjective
British English
- His masochistic tendencies led him to stay in the toxic job.
- The film explores a masochistic relationship.
American English
- She has a masochistic commitment to her failing startup.
- His workout routine was frankly masochistic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Only a masochist would invest in that volatile market now.'
Academic
Common in psychology, psychoanalysis, literary criticism, and gender studies. Used with precise clinical meaning.
Everyday
Common in its extended, metaphorical sense: 'I'm a masochist for agreeing to work this weekend.'
Technical
Core term in psychiatry/psychology (often paired with 'sadist' in 'sadomasochism').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masochist”
- Misspelling: 'massochist' (incorrect).
- Confusing with 'sadist' (the one who inflicts pain).
- Using it to mean simply 'a person who endures pain bravely' without the connotation of deriving (perverse) pleasure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A masochist derives pleasure from receiving pain/humiliation. A sadist derives pleasure from inflicting pain/humiliation on others. They are often paired as 'sadomasochism' (S&M).
Yes, this is very common. Metaphorical use (e.g., 'a masochist for punishment') refers to someone who persistently engages in frustrating or painful activities, like a gruelling job or hobby.
Yes, in psychiatry and psychology, 'masochism' is a clinical term. However, the word has entered general vocabulary and is often used loosely outside medical contexts.
The adjective is 'masochistic' (e.g., masochistic behaviour). The adverb is 'masochistically'.
A person who derives pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from their own pain, humiliation, or suffering.
Masochist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæs.ə.kɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæs.ə.kɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “glutton for punishment (near-synonymous idiom)”
- “cut off one's nose to spite one's face (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MASter Of self-CHoSTisement' -> MASO-CHIST. Or, 'He **maces** himself (figuratively) and insists it's fine.'
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN / FRUSTRATION IS PLEASURE (for the subject). ENDURANCE OF SUFFERING IS A PERVERTED FORM OF ENJOYMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In a non-clinical, everyday context, calling someone a 'masochist' usually implies they: