Chevalier Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

Austrian author

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July 13, 2026

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Leopold von Sacher-Masoch was an Austrian author known for his 19th-century novels that explored themes of sexual pleasure derived from pain and humiliation. The term "masochism" was coined by Richard von Krafft-Ebing and is derived from Sacher-Masoch's name.12

Masochism is defined as deriving sexual gratification from experiencing physical pain or humiliation, or finding pleasure in being abused or dominated.2

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masochism
…derives from the name of Chevalier Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–95), an Austrian author who wrote extensively about the satisfaction he gained by being beaten and subjugated. The type of pain involved in masochistic experiences can vary from discomfort inflicted in otherwise harmless love play—by tickling, hair pulling, and orgasm denial—to…
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…derives from the name of Chevalier Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–95), an Austrian author who wrote extensively about the satisfaction he gained by being beaten and subjugated. The type of pain involved in masochistic experiences can vary from discomfort inflicted in otherwise harmless love play—by tickling, hair pulling, and orgasm denial—to…
Read More