castration anxiety

castration anxiety,

1 the fantasized fear of injury or loss of the genital organs, often as the reaction to a repressed feeling of punishment for forbidden sexual desires. It may also be caused by some apparently threatening everyday occurrence, such as a humiliating experience, loss of a job, or loss of authority.

2 a general threat to the masculinity or femininity of a person or an unrealistic fear of bodily injury or loss of power. Also called anxiety complex. See also anxiety disorder. Compare penis envy.

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castration anxiety (kastrā´shn),

n 1. the fantasized fear of injury to or loss of the genital organs.
2. a general threat to the body image of a person or the unrealistic fear of bodily injury or loss of power or control.

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castration anxiety

Psychiatry Anxiety due to fantasized danger or injuries to the genitals and/or body, precipitated by everyday events with symbolic significance which appear threatening, such as loss of a job, loss of a tooth, or an experience of ridicule or humiliation