reality principle

American

noun

Psychoanalysis.

the motivating force or mechanism by which the child, who has previously sought immediate gratification of all wishes, realizes that gratification must sometimes be deferred or forgone.

reality principle British

noun

psychoanal control of behaviour by the ego to meet the conditions imposed by the external world

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of reality principle

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Leaders don’t get power if they don’t maneuver; but they misuse their power if they don’t also defer to the reality principle.

From The Wall Street Journal

On an existential level, they might have done their best by us, but I think in terms of the reality principle, maybe less so.

From Salon

At the same time, a reality principle is always pushing through.

From Washington Post

On the heels of doubt came a surge of joy: "Still got it," crowed some perverse inner imp in silent congratulation, jackbooting the reality principle into assent.

From Newsweek

Originally the film’s exaggerated, folkloric comic spark, he winds up as its reality principle and the bearer of its tragic weight.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023