superego

noun

su·​per·​ego ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō 

also

-ˈe-(ˌ)gō 

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt compare ego, id

Examples of superego in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At some point Jeremy decided to set fire to the ol’ superego and put away several shots served in neon plastic shot glasses, encouraging us to do the same. —Ellyn Gaydos, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024

By the middle of 2017 my id wanted nothing to do with her superego. —Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024

Challenging Freud's Superego Concept Freud’s concept of the superego is one theory that current neurological research doesn't support. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2023

Understanding the Superego Around the age of six, Freud theorized that a person’s superego began to form. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, translation of German Über-ich, from über over + ich I

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

superego

noun

su·​per·​ego

ˌsü-pər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō also ˈsü-pər-ˌ, -ˈeg-(ˌ)ō

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt compare ego, id entry 1