# What Does Masochism Mean?

> You typed this at 2am wondering if wanting what you want makes you unwell. It does not. Here is what masochism actually means — in BDSM, in everyday speech, and in the one clinical sense that has nothing to do with you.

Canonical URL: https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/
Markdown: https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/index.md
Publication: Classic BDSM — an India-focused, adult-only, non-explicit educational resource.

## Scope

This page covers: masochism meaning.
Also addresses: what does masochism mean; masochist meaning; emotional masochism.
Not covered here (see the linked pages instead): sadism meaning; s and m meaning; sadist and masochist meaning; sexual masochism disorder.

## Key concepts

- masochism
- masochist
- BDSM
- submission
- consent
- sexual masochism disorder
- emotional masochism
- self-harm

## Sections

- Masochism meaning, plainly (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#masochism-meaning)
- Masochism in BDSM (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#masochism-in-a-consensual-context)
- Masochism and submission are not the same thing (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#masochism-vs-submission)
- Masochism and self-harm are not the same thing either (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#masochism-vs-self-harm)
- What is "emotional masochism"? (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#emotional-masochism)
- Is masochism a mental disorder? (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#is-masochism-a-mental-disorder)
- Why might someone enjoy masochistic experiences? (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#why-masochism-appeals)
- How masochism relates to sadism (https://classic-bdsm.com/learn/masochism-meaning/#masochism-and-sadism)

## Sources referenced

- American Psychiatric Association — Paraphilic Disorders (DSM-5 Fact Sheet) (https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Paraphilic-Disorders.pdf)
- The Journal of Sex Research — Jaime M. Brown, Meg-John Barker & Qazi Rahman, "A Systematic Scoping Review of the Prevalence, Etiological, Psychological, and Interpersonal Factors Associated with BDSM" (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31617765/)

Last reviewed: 2026-08-31