Maslow's hierarchy of human needs

views updated

Maslow's hierarchy of human needs (maz-lohz) n. a listing of human needs in order of priority, from basic physiological needs (e.g. eating and drinking) to self-actualization. It is held that the individual does not consider meeting each level of need until the previous level has been at least partly satisfied. See self-actualization. [ A. H. Maslow (1908–70), US psychologist]