In a theoretical-clinical perspective enlightened by historical elements, this article looks back on the conditions from which the concept of masochism came about, before investigating its development in Freud's psychoanalytical theorisation. For the history of the concept of masochism bears witness to the emergence of psychoanalytical thought, its postulates, its hesitations and its renewals. Masochism also designates a clinical category that continues to raise questions, insofar as it escapes any attempt at classification, justifying its characterisation as being enigmatic by Freud.

Starting out from observation of the violence inherent in any conceptualisation and any use of concepts, the article reveals the radical form taken by masochism, a concept elaborated from a series of disappropriations. The literary universe of Sacher-Masoch, the central scene of the phantasy of being beaten, and the advent of a new theorisation in Freud, as having to integrate death into life, are considered.

The great story, the singular stories of Sacher-Masoch and Freud, the genealogy of the concept, the relationship between Freud and Anna, and Freudian conceptual content, are all so many planes of meaning that call on and respond to each other.