NYT Dictionary

ANACLITIC

/ænəˈklɪtɪk/
AdjectiveAN-a-clit-ican-a-clit-ic · 4 syllablesAdvanced/Professional

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Denoting a person whose choice of love-interest arises from the dependence of the libido on another instinct (e.g., hunger).

Etymology

Origin: Ancient Greek

From Ancient Greek ἀνάκλιτος (anáklitos, “for reclining”), from ἀνακλίνω (anaklínō). Originally in the phrase anaclitic type, translating Freud's term Anlehnungstypus.

NYT Puzzle Appearances

No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

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