BDSM
abbreviation or noun
: sexual activity involving such practices as the use of physical restraints, the granting and relinquishing of control, and the infliction of pain
He provided a vivid insight into the life of a dedicated follower of bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism (BDSM) as he gave evidence to his trial at Guildford Crown Court.—
Sam Marsden
Sam MarsdenBDSM refers to a range of sexual preferences that generally relate to enjoyment of physical control, psychological control, and/or pain.—Ali Hebert and Angela Weaver
Ali Hebert and Angela WeaverWhatever one thinks of BDSM, given the pain and intensity associated with it, it certainly doesn't come across as a stress-reducing activity—to most outsiders, there wouldn't appear to be anything relaxing about whips and handcuffs.—Roni Jacobson
Roni JacobsonBDSM communities have been quick to distance themselves from Fifty Shades, and, indeed, from any beliefs or behaviours incompatible with informed, enthusiastic and uncoerced consent.—Emer O'Toole
Emer O'TooleExamples of BDSM in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Babygirl also climaxes to a close, with star Nicole Kidman, playing a tech manager who discovers a taste for BDSM, in a state of near or total undress throughout much of the movie.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024
The franchise follows inexperienced college graduate Anastasia Steele and broody businessman Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of BDSM.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 July 2023
Not your mom’s speed dating: From tantra to BDSM, there’s something for everyone in L.A.
HBCUs brace for flood of applications after Supreme Court affirmative action decision.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023
My mother once wrote that some desires of domination, for instance, might be a learned coping mechanism for dealing with pervasive misogyny—which is similar to the recasting involved in BDSM, where the person ostensibly being dominated is actually controlling the whole scenario.
—Hazlitt, 9 Aug. 2022
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Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024
The franchise follows inexperienced college graduate Anastasia Steele and broody businessman Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of BDSM.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 July 2023
Not your mom’s speed dating: From tantra to BDSM, there’s something for everyone in L.A.
HBCUs brace for flood of applications after Supreme Court affirmative action decision.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023
My mother once wrote that some desires of domination, for instance, might be a learned coping mechanism for dealing with pervasive misogyny—which is similar to the recasting involved in BDSM, where the person ostensibly being dominated is actually controlling the whole scenario.
—Hazlitt, 9 Aug. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near BDSM
Cite this Entry
“BDSM.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BDSM. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
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