oral stage, (in psychoanalysis) according to Freud, the initial stage of psychosexual development occurring in the first 12 to 18 months of life, when the feeding experience and other oral activities are the predominant source of pleasurable stimulation. Adult patterns of behavior associated with this stage include overeating, loquaciousness, alcoholism, smoking addictions, and a sarcastic personality. See also oral character, psychosexual development.
