anaclitic

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ænəˈklɪtɪk/

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.

Derived terms

• anaclitically

Translations

emotionally dependent

French: anaclitique (fr) Italian: anaclitico Portuguese: anaclítico