Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Inanimate Object Empathy Disorder (IOED) is an armchair-psychological designation for people who experience extreme amounts of empathy for inanimate objects -- specifically objects that depict living things that appear damaged or distressed. IOED describes someone who experiences legitimate feelings towards objects that appear as if they deserve sympathy, support, and even help as if they were animate beings. However, because these objects are not actually living beings, these impulses to care for, help, and support are misplaced. Hence the disorder designation. If someone if your life continually says things like "awwwww.... that poor x" where x is more often than not a stuffed animal with a missing ear or a tear in its fabric, then that person in your life suffers from IOED.
Text fits
Save
Cancel