Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

superego

Noun

/ˈsuːpərˌiːɡoʊ/

Definition

The part of a person’s mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and society.

Examples

The superego helps individuals navigate moral dilemmas by providing a moral framework.
In his theory, Freud suggested that a strong superego could lead to feelings of guilt.
Therapists might help clients explore how their superego influences their decisions and self-image.

Meaning

The superego is one of the three components of Sigmund Freud’s model of the human psyche. It represents the moral standards and ideals that we acquire from our culture and upbringing, contrasting with the desires of the id and the realistic demands of the ego.