penis envy

noun, Psychoanalysis

the repressed wish of a female to possess a penis.

Origin

1920-25

British Dictionary definitions for penis envy

noun

(psychoanal) a Freudian concept in which envy of the penis is postulated as the cause for some of the characteristics found in women

penis envy in Culture

In Freudian theory, the repressed desire of females to possess a penis.

Note: Penis envy is also used generally to mean a supposed female envy of men.