superego
|su-per-e-go|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌsuːpərˈiːɡoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌsuːpərˈiːɡəʊ/
moral conscience
Etymology
Etymology Information
'superego' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'super' meaning 'above' and 'ego' meaning 'I'.
Historical Evolution
'superego' was introduced by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century as part of his psychoanalytic theory.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the part of the mind that reflects social standards,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and teachers.
The superego often conflicts with the id and ego.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45