Anaclisis

/ˌænəˈklaɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

Dependence or reliance upon something, particularly in philosophy or psychology; the state of leaning on or inclining toward.

Etymology

From Greek anaklisis (leaning back), from ana- (back) plus klisis (leaning, from klinein 'to lean'). This psychological and philosophical term describes states of dependency.

Kelly Says

Infants are in a state of anaclisis—completely dependent on their caregivers—and developmental psychology uses this term to describe how humans graduate from total dependence to independence!

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