Word
phallic
Phoneticsphal·lic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæɫɪk/
UK/fˈælɪk/
Definition
adj. relating to the penis or shaped like one. People also use it to talk about symbols of male power.
adj. relating to, resembling, or symbolising the penis, especially as an emblem of male generative power or dominance. Often used in art criticism, psychoanalysis, and anthropology to describe objects or symbols with that association.
Examples
“The tower has a tall phallic shape.”
“The art critic described the skyscraper as a phallic symbol of corporate power in the city skyline.”
“Critics read the rocket launch in the novel as deliberately phallic imagery, linking technological ambition with anxieties about masculinity and control.”
Examples
simple
“The tower has a tall phallic shape.”
contextual
“The art critic described the skyscraper as a phallic symbol of corporate power in the city skyline.”
complex
“Critics read the rocket launch in the novel as deliberately phallic imagery, linking technological ambition with anxieties about masculinity and control.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “phallic” in context.
Verb
01. appear phallic
“The ancient sculpture may appear phallic to modern viewers.”
verb + adj
02. interpret as phallic
“Freud would interpret the obelisk as phallic.”
verb + prep + adj
03. look phallic
“From a distance, the tower looks phallic against the skyline.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. distinctly phallic
“The cactus is distinctly phallic and always amuses visitors.”
adv + adj
05. overtly phallic
“Critics called the memorial overtly phallic and demanded a redesign.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. phallic imagery
“The novel is full of aggressive phallic imagery.”
adj + noun
07. phallic power
“The author critiques phallic power in corporate culture.”
adj + noun
08. phallic sculpture
“The museum removed the ancient phallic sculpture after complaints.”
adj + noun
09. a classic phallic symbol
“The skyscraper is a classic phallic symbol of corporate ambition.”
10. distinctly phallic in shape
“The monument is distinctly phallic in shape.”
11. interpreted as a phallic symbol
“The obelisk is often interpreted as a phallic symbol.”
12. overtly phallic symbol of power
“Critics dismissed the tower as an overtly phallic symbol of power.”
Etymology
From phallus (“penis”) + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/phallic