anaclitic

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English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀνάκλιτος (anáklitos, for reclining), from ἀνακλίνω (anaklínō). Originally in the phrase anaclitic type, translating Freud's term Anlehnungstypus.

Pronunciation

Adjective

anaclitic (not comparable)

  1. (psychoanalysis) Denoting a person whose choice of love-interest arises from the dependence of the libido on another instinct (e.g., hunger).
    • 1982, Fowles, Mantissa:
      I don’t think I have to gloss the true anaclitic purport behind your need to humiliate a woman doctor symbolically.
  2. Pertaining to an acute emotional dependence on another person or persons.
    • 2003, Theodore Millon, Melvin J. Lerner, Irving B. Weiner, Handbook of Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology, page 123:
      When introjects are weak (or even absent), an anaclitic personality configuration results, characterized by dependency, insecurity, and feelings of helplessness and emptiness.

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