Definition of "masochism" [masochism]

• The deriving of sexual gratification, or the tendency to derive sexual gratification, from being physically or emotionally abused. (noun)
• The deriving of pleasure, or the tendency to derive pleasure, from being humiliated or mistreated, either by another or by oneself. (noun)
• A willingness or tendency to subject oneself to unpleasant or trying experiences. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I don't think masochism is quite the word I'd use for Twilight, but I think both Bella and Edward are dislikable characters; Bella's weak and Edward's just plain unfriendly."
• "To try to open one of these monstrosities is an exercise in masochism — hurriedly I discard them with the dispatch with which one would thrust away a venomous snake."
• "When you hear the word masochism, you probably think of whips and chains and the like."