anaclitic

adjective

an·​a·​clit·​ic ˌa-nə-ˈkli-tik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (such as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (such as hunger)

Word History

Etymology

Greek anaklitos, verbal of anaklinein to lean upon, from ana- + klinein to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anaclitic

adjective

an·​a·​clit·​ic an-ə-ˈklit-ik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (as hunger)