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death instinct
noun
: an innate and unconscious tendency toward self-destruction postulated in psychoanalytic theory to explain aggressive and destructive behavior not satisfactorily explained by the pleasure principle
called also Thanatos
compare eros sense 2Examples of death instinct in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
We’ve been told over and over again that there’s a part of her that flirts with the death instinct in a pretty big way.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'death instinct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1921, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near death instinct
Cite this Entry
“Death instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20instinct. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
death instinct
noun
: an innate and unconscious tendency toward self-destruction postulated in psychoanalytic theory to explain aggressive and destructive behavior not satisfactorily explained by the pleasure principle
called also Thanatos
compare erosLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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