Power exchange
- D/s
- Ds
- dominance and submission
- total power exchange
- TPE
- authority exchange
- control
Power exchange covers the spectrum from light, scene-only dynamics to deeper ongoing arrangements. Whatever its intensity, the authority is always given freely and can be reclaimed at any time, since it is handed over by agreement rather than taken.
Explore within Power exchange
More specific terms that sit under this one.
- Dominant
The person who takes the leading, guiding role in a power-exchange dynamic, holding responsibility for their partner's care.
- Submissive
The person who consensually follows or yields in a power-exchange dynamic, often finding freedom and trust in letting go.
- Switch
Someone who enjoys moving between dominant and submissive roles depending on the moment, the mood and the connection.
- Master / slave (M/s)
A deeper, often ongoing power-exchange dynamic with a structured, agreed framework of authority and service.
- Protocol
Agreed rules, rituals or etiquette that structure a power-exchange dynamic, from light habits to formal ceremony.
- Humiliation play
Consensual play with embarrassment or self-conscious feelings, carefully negotiated so it stays fun and safe for everyone.
- Chastity play
A consensual dynamic where one partner agrees to let the other control access to their own pleasure or release.
- Orgasm control
Consensually managing the timing and intensity of a partner's pleasure as part of a power-exchange dynamic.