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 2

Examples 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of death instinct was in 1921

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 eros
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