penis envy


noun Psychoanalysis.

the repressed wish of a female to possess a penis.

Origin of penis envy

First recorded in 1920–25

British Dictionary definitions for penis envy

penis envy

noun

psychoanal a Freudian concept in which envy of the penis is postulated as the cause for some of the characteristics found in women

Cultural definitions for penis envy

penis envy

In Freudian theory, the repressed desire of females to possess a penis.

notes for penis envy

Penis envy is also used generally to mean a supposed female envy of men.