The psychological theories and methods developed by Sigmund Freud, including psychoanalysis and concepts of the unconscious mind.
From the name Sigmund Freud + '-ism' (system of beliefs or practice), formed in the early 20th century as Freud's ideas gained prominence and influence in psychology, psychiatry, and culture.
Freudianism is so woven into culture that we use his ideas constantly—'Freudian slip,' 'ego,' 'defense mechanisms'—yet modern neuroscience has actually disproven many of his theories, showing how powerful ideas can outlive their evidence.
Freudian theory pathologized female sexuality and attributed women's psychological distress to penis envy and hysteria, anchoring diagnostic frameworks in biological essentialism that persisted through 20th-century psychiatry and continue to influence practice.
When referencing Freudian concepts, acknowledge discredited gender assumptions (penis envy, hysteria as female pathology). Contemporary psychology has rejected these theories as scientifically baseless.
["Jungian psychology","contemporary psychotherapy","evidence-based psychology"]
Women analysts like Melanie Klein, Karen Horney, and Anna Freud challenged Freud's gender bias from within psychoanalysis, developing alternative theories that centered maternal experience and criticized phallocentrism—contributions often overshadowed by Freud's dominance in historical accounts.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.