psychomachy Definition
- 1a literary or artistic depiction of a battle between virtues and vices within the human soul
- 2an inner conflict or struggle between opposing impulses or tendencies
Using psychomachy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "psychomachy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The novel portrays the protagonist's psychomachy as he tries to overcome his addiction.
Example
The painting is a visual representation of the psychomachy between good and evil.
Example
The therapist helped her patient resolve the psychomachy between her desire for success and her fear of failure.
psychomachy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for psychomachy
- inner conflict
- moral struggle
- spiritual battle
Phrases with psychomachy
psychomachia
an epic poem written by the late antique poet Prudentius, which describes the battle between virtues and vices personified as characters
Example
Psychomachia was widely popular in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
a metaphorical representation of the conflicting impulses or thoughts within oneself, with the angel representing the good and the devil representing the bad
Example
Whenever I have to make a decision, it feels like there's an angel and devil on my shoulder, each trying to persuade me to do something different.
Jekyll and Hyde personality
a reference to the character Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, used to describe someone who has two distinct and opposing sides to their personality
Example
Her Jekyll and Hyde personality made it difficult for her to maintain stable relationships.
Origins of psychomachy
from Greek 'psycho-' meaning 'mind' and 'makhē' meaning 'battle'
Summary: psychomachy in Brief
'Psychomachy' [sahy-koh-muh-kee] refers to a literary or artistic depiction of a battle between virtues and vices within the human soul, or an inner conflict between opposing impulses or tendencies. It can be represented in various forms, such as the epic poem 'Psychomachia,' or the metaphorical 'angel and devil on one's shoulder.' 'Psychomachy' can also be used to describe someone with a 'Jekyll and Hyde personality,' who has two distinct and opposing sides to their character.
