Psychoanalysis Meaning
/sˌaɪkoʊəˈnæləsəs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA family of theories and methods within the field of psychotherapy that work to find connections among patients' unconscious mental processes.
Sentence Examples
Psychoanalysis is more a passion than a science.
At times Claudia thought about psychoanalysis.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The therapist suggested that ____ could help uncover hidden traumatic childhood memories.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Freud developed ____ as a method of treating mental disorders by exploring the unconscious mind.
Word Origin & History
From international scientific vocabulary, after German Psychoanalyse. By surface analysis, psycho- + analysis.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"To be sure, this much I may presume you do know, namely, that psychoanalysis is a method of treating nervous patients medically."
— 1920, Sigmund Freud, A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis:
"Psychoanalysis has sprung many surprises on us, performed more than one volte face before our indignant eyes."
— 1921, D[avid] H[erbert] Lawrence, “Psychoanalysis vs. Morality”, in Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious, New York, N.Y.: Thomas Seltzer, →OCLC, page 9:
"Psychoanalysis, the modern science of reading dreams, has taught us to take heed of these unsubstantial images. Also it has found a way to let them do their work."
— 1968, Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, 2nd edition, London: Fontana Press, published 1993, page 8:
"Because psychophobia is so endemic to human nature, the process of psychoanalysis involves a continual exploration of the patient’s resistance to knowing what is dreaded in the unconscious mind."
— 2000 May 28, Peter Wolson, “A World of Psychophobia”, in Los Angeles Times, archived from the original on 10 May 2025:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The therapist suggested that ____ could help uncover hidden traumatic childhood memories.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Freud developed ____ as a method of treating mental disorders by exploring the unconscious mind.