Explanation of masochism

Explanation of the term masochism in BDSM

Masochism (Masokism) is the need or wish to be humiliated, forced into submission and to suffer physically or mentally. Since this term often refers to the pathological, self-destructive state, the term sadomasochism is preferred in BDSM.

The term masochism comes of the Austrian writer and nobleman Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836-1895), who wrote several books on the masochistic theme, and the term itself was instated by the Austrian psychiatrist and sexual researcher Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902) already back in 1886.