BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. It is an umbrella term for a variety of erotic practices and roleplaying that involve consensual power exchange between partners, often characterized by one partner taking a dominant role and the other a submissive role
. Key components of BDSM include:
- Bondage: Physical restraint of a partner using ropes, handcuffs, or other devices to limit movement.
- Discipline: Use of rules and punishments to control behavior, which can include physical or psychological methods.
- Dominance and Submission: Psychological or physical control where one partner exerts authority and the other obeys.
- Sadism and Masochism: Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain (sadism) or receiving pain (masochism), which can be physical or emotional.
BDSM activities are consensual and typically involve negotiation and agreement about roles, limits, and safety. These practices can range from light sensation play like hair pulling and blindfolds to more intense forms of power exchange and sensation
. In summary, BDSM refers to a broad spectrum of consensual sexual and interpersonal dynamics centered around power, control, and sensation play.
