rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoedipalMythological connection
adjective

oedipal

ED-ih-pul/ˈedɪpl/

Relating to Oedipus and his story in Greek mythology.

The therapist uses three figures to explore oedipal themes from Greek myth.

Clinical psychology concept represented symbolically with three fully clothed adult theatrical figures on a small therapist's desk: adult offspring figure turned toward the mother figure with a small warm connecting ribbon, and a tense competing stance toward the father figure, triangular arrangement.
Etymology
oediGreekto swell
+pGreekfoot
+alEnglishrelating to

The roots mean “swollen-foot,” the name of Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. Freud used his story to name the parental desire and rivalry described by “oedipal.”

In context

London Review Bookshop5:46
Greenberg's point is the father, if we take the basic Oedipal scenario, is protecting the son's future potency by preventing the child sleeping with the mother.
Adam Phillips and Chris Oakley: Unforbidden Pleasures

More examples

  • Her essay traces the oedipal legend through ancient Greek drama.
  • The painting depicts the oedipal encounter with the Sphinx.
  • This retelling gives the familiar oedipal tragedy a modern setting.

Forms

oedipal