S and M
0 antonyms and opposites of S and M, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Sexual activity involving the deliberate giving and receiving of pain, restraint or humiliation for erotic pleasure, practised between consenting partners.
How to use S and M
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Sexual and informal but not obscene; it appears in journalism and clinical writing without euphemism.
Etymology
An initialism of sadism and masochism, the two halves of sadomasochism.
Full origin of S and M →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between S and M and BDSM?
S and M covers only the sadism-and-masochism side, meaning erotic pain and humiliation. BDSM is the broader umbrella, taking in bondage and discipline and dominance and submission as well. Every S and M practice sits inside BDSM, but plenty of BDSM involves no pain at all.
Is S and M the same as abuse?
No. The defining feature of S and M is informed consent, negotiated limits and usually a safe word that stops the scene immediately. Anything that continues without consent is abuse, not S and M.
How is S and M written?
You will see S and M, S&M, S/M and SM, all pronounced as the two letters. S&M is the most common written form.