freudian

Relating to or described by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939).

- f. slip a mistake in speech or deed that presumably suggests some underlying motive, often sexual or aggressive in nature.

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Freud·ian 'frȯid-ē-ən adj of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Freud

Freudian n

Freud·ian·ism -ə-.niz-əm n

Freud 'frȯid Sigmund (1856-1939)

Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist. Freud was the founder of psychoanalysis. He began his study of hysteria with Josef Breuer, whose method of treatment was hypnosis. From 1892 to 1895 Freud developed treatment by the technique of free association of ideas. He came to believe that a complex of repressed and forgotten impressions underlies all abnormal mental states such as hysteria, and that a cure could be affected by a revelation of these impressions. His work in this area convinced him of the fact of infantile sexuality. He also developed a theory that dreams are an unconscious representation of repressed desires, especially sexual desires. In 1900 he published his greatest work, The Interpretation of Dreams.

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freud·i·an (froiґde-ən) 1. pertaining to Sigmund Freud or his psychological theories and method of psychotherapy (psychoanalysis). 2. an adherent or user of freudian theory or methods.