a sexual perversion characterized by pleasure in being subjected...

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Jackson6612

#508135 Thu, 01 May 08 02:37 PM

masochism
a sexual perversion characterized by pleasure in being subjected to pain or humiliation especially by a love object — compare sadism 2: pleasure in being abused or dominated: a taste for suffering
[M-W's Col. Dic.]

What is a love object? Is it the one who is subjected to pain or who is inflicting pain?

Jackson6612

Joined on Wed, Dec 27 2006

Senior Member (2,606)

NOTE: When you reply to my post, please look for mistakes in grammar, syntax or punctuation, and let me know of any suggestions you have. Thank you.

Grammar Geek

#508137 Thu, 01 May 08 02:43 PM

"A love object" - what a great way to refer to your lover, partner, boyfriend, spouse, etc.

It's the person you love, and that love object is the one who provides the pain that the masochist enjoys.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (14,792)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

Philip

#508157 Thu, 01 May 08 03:32 PM

This may be a strictly personal interpretation, but I always think of a 'love object' as being someone involved in a short-term (overnight?) relationship. Not having any experience, however...... (;)) Wink

Philip

Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005

USA Pacific Northwest (Seattle)

Veteran Member (5,617)

If one will scoff at the study of language, how, save in terms of language, will one scoff? - Mario Pei

Jackson6612

#508176 Thu, 01 May 08 04:39 PM

Philip, I also think so. Thank you for the help.

Jackson6612

Grammar Geek

#508181 Thu, 01 May 08 04:47 PM

I think it is used to differentiate from a stranger. I would suggest there is NO time limitation.

Grammar Geek

Jackson6612

#508212 Thu, 01 May 08 06:47 PM

Grammar Geek
I think it is used to differentiate from a stranger.

Barbara, I know you are correct. It's just that I'm little confused about the structure of your sentence. It seems to me as if you have missed the noun phrase a lover after differentiate. If you had used the phrase, the sentence would read:
I think it is used to differentiate a love from a stranger.

I'm curious about the reason for missing that phrase. Perhaps, it's just the way the English language works