Sadomasochism

"S&M" and "Masochism" redirect here. For other uses, see S&M (disambiguation) and Masochism (disambiguation).

A female dominant with a male submissive at her feet, from Dresseuses d'Hommes (1931) by Belgian artist Luc Lafnet

Sadism (/ˈseɪdɪzəm/ ⓘ) and masochism (/ˈmæsəkɪzəm/), known collectively as sadomasochism (/ˌseɪdoʊˈmæsəkɪzəm/ ⓘ SAY-doh-MASS-ə-kiz-əm) or S&M, is the derivation of pleasure from acts of respectively inflicting or receiving pain or humiliation. The term is named after the Marquis de Sade, a French author known for his violent and libertine works and lifestyle, and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian author who described masochistic tendencies in his works. Though sadomasochistic behaviours and desires do not necessarily need to be linked to sex, sadomasochism is also a definitive feature of consensual BDSM relationships.

Sadomasochism was introduced in psychiatry by Richard von Krafft-Ebing and later elaborated by Sigmund Freud. Modern understanding distinguishes consensual BDSM practices from non-consensual sexual violence, with DSM-5 and ICD-11 recognizing consensual sadomasochism as non-pathological. S&M can involve varying levels of pain, dominance, and submission, practiced by individuals of any gender, often within negotiated roles of sadist, masochist, or switch. Forensic and medical classifications focus on consent and harm.

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