What does "freudian" mean?
A follower of Freud or his methods.
Freudian
/ˈfɹɔɪ.di.ən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A follower of Freud or his methods.
- Grammar: freudian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: freudian analyst, psychoanalyst, psychoanalytic, psychoanalyzing.
- Useful contrasts: behaviorist, cognitivist, jungian.
- Usage evidence: This must have been some kind of Freudian slip.
How to use "freudian"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "freudian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "freudian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "freudian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A follower of Freud or his methods.
"To the world at large, relativity seemed to pull the rug out from under perceived reality. And for many advanced thinkers of the 1920s, from Dadaists to Cubists to Freudians, that was a fitting credo, reflecting what science historian David Cassidy calls "the incomprehensiveness of the contemporary scene--the fall of monarchies, the upheaval of the social order, indeed, all the turbulence of the 20th century.""
- 2 a person who follows the basic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud's scientific theory and psychotherapy called psychoanalysis.
"But perhaps the greatest threat of Freudian theory concerned what lurks in the unconscious mind."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Freudian. alt-of
- 3 Relating to or influenced by the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).
- 4 Susceptible to analysis in terms of unconscious thoughts or desires.
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his psychoanalytic ideas wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"This must have been some kind of Freudian slip."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "freudian"?
Common synonyms include: freudian analyst, psychoanalyst, psychoanalytic, psychoanalyzing, psychodynamic, subconscious.
How do you use "freudian" in a sentence?
This must have been some kind of Freudian slip.
How do you pronounce "freudian"?
Pronounced /ˈfɹɔɪ.di.ən/.
Etymology
From Freud + -ian.