anaclitic adjective. [,anǝ'klɪtɪk] E20.
[from Greek anaklitos for reclining, from anaklinein (see ANACLASTIC): see -IC.]
Psychoanalysis. Orig., denoting a person whose choice of a love-object is governed by the dependence of the libido on another instinct, e.g. hunger. Now in extended use, relating to or characterized by a strong emotional dependence on another or others.

► Orig. in phr. anaclitic type, translating German Anlehnungstypus (Freud).

■ anaclitically adverb M20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲