Definition, synonyms and related words
Sexual or non-sexual practices or activities involving bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism, or acts of domination and submission.
"The couple explored various BDSM techniques during their private session to test the boundaries of trust and control."
In plain English: BDSM is an umbrella term for sexual activities that involve giving and taking control, often using bondage, discipline, or other intense behaviors between consenting adults.
"Many media outlets now include discussions about BDSM in their coverage of modern relationships."
The term BDSM is a shortened form that combines the concepts of bondage and discipline with those of dominance and submission, as well as sadism and masochism. It was created to provide a single acronym for these related practices involving power exchange and sensation play.