BDSM
- B/D
- D/s
- S/M
- bondage discipline dominance submission
BDSM gathers a broad family of practices under one acronym. It runs on negotiated power and trust, with sensation often part of the mix. The most experienced players tend to be the ones who talk the most, settling what they want and where their limits sit, and agreeing safewords well before anything begins.
Explore within BDSM
More specific terms that sit under this one.
- Power exchange
A consensual agreement where one person takes the lead and another follows, within boundaries both have agreed in advance.
- Sadism
Taking pleasure in giving consensual physical or emotional intensity to a willing partner who wants to receive it.
- Masochism
Finding enjoyment or release in consensual physical or emotional intensity received from a trusted partner.
- Sadomasochism (S/M)
The interplay of giving and receiving consensual intensity — the combined practice of sadism and masochism.
- Psychological play
Play that engages the mind (anticipation, suspense or headspace) rather than, or alongside, the body.
- Bondage
The consensual art of restraint — using rope, cuffs or other gear to gently restrict movement, by agreement and with safety in mind.
- Sensation play
Playing with the senses (soft, sharp, hot or cold) to heighten awareness and pleasure between consenting partners.
- Edge play
Higher-risk activities at the boundaries of safety, undertaken only with deep knowledge, trust and careful precautions.
See also
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Longer guides that explore this in depth.