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name

Oedipus

EH-dih-puhs

Oedipus (name) means a figure from Greek mythology who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, later the subject of Sophocles's tragedies. Example: “Freud borrowed the name Oedipus for his theory about childhood desire and rivalry.”

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A figure from Greek mythology who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, later the subject of Sophocles's tragedies.
"Freud borrowed the name Oedipus for his theory about childhood desire and rivalry."
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Freud borrowed the name _____ for his theory about childhood desire and rivalry.

Etymology

From Greek Oidipous, literally "swollen foot", referring to an injury he received as an abandoned infant.

Origin: Greek

Frequently asked questions

What does “Oedipus” mean?

The word “Oedipus” means a figure from Greek mythology who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, later the subject of Sophocles's tragedies.

How do you pronounce “Oedipus”?

“Oedipus” is pronounced EH-dih-puhs (/ˈɛdɪpəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “Oedipus” in a sentence?

Here is “Oedipus” used in a sentence: “Freud borrowed the name Oedipus for his theory about childhood desire and rivalry.”

What part of speech is “Oedipus”?

“Oedipus” is a name.

Where does the word “Oedipus” come from?

The word “Oedipus” comes from Greek. From Greek Oidipous, literally "swollen foot", referring to an injury he received as an abandoned infant.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial