Anaclitic

/ˌænəˈklɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to dependence or reliance, particularly in psychology describing emotional attachment or need for support from others.

Etymology

From anaclisis plus the adjectival suffix -ic. This psychological term was popularized by Freudian psychologists to describe attachment patterns and dependency needs.

Kelly Says

Psychologists describe anaclitic depression in babies separated from caregivers—they literally lose the will to engage with the world, showing how profound our need for emotional connection really is!

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