Outline of BDSM

BDSM is a variety of erotic practices involving dominance and submission, roleplaying, restraint, and other interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture is usually dependent on self-identification and shared experience. Interest in BDSM can range from one-time experimentation to a lifestyle.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to BDSM:

Etymology

The term BDSM is a portmanteau of initialisms intended to encompass all of the following activities:

Bondage and discipline (B & D or B/D)
Dominance and submission (D & S or D/s) (including "master and slave" role-playing scenarios and ongoing relationship structures)
Sadism and masochism (S & M or S/M)

Bondage

Different types of rope bondage

By material

By body part

Self-bondage
Head bondage
Neck
- Collar (BDSM)
- Stocks
Arms
- Wrists – Bondage cuffs
- Arms – Armbinder
- Stocks
Breast bondage
Crotch rope

Discipline

Dominance and Submission

Sadomasochism

Weights hung from nipples using nipple clamps, along with waxplay, at Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Germany (left) and Pussy torture by pulling a labia piercing ring (right).