Phaedra complex

The libidinous desire of a stepmother for a stepson; since they are not genetically related, a sexual liaison between is not legally incestuous

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Phaedra complex

Psychiatry The libidinous desire of a stepmother for a stepson; since the 2 are not genetically related, a sexual liaison is not legally incestuous. Cf Electra complex, incest, Jocastra complex, Oedipus complex.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Phaedra complex

(fā-dră) [Wife of King Theseus of Athens]

The love and attraction between a stepparent and a stepchild; so named because of Phaedra's tragic love for the son (Hippolytus) of her husband by a previous marriage.

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