psychopathic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of psychopathic
First recorded in 1840–50; psychopath(y) + -ic
Explanation
Psychopathic is a very strong word — it means mentally ill or insane and probably dangerous. Psychopathic isn't a word anyone should take lightly. It refers to an undiagnosed mental disorder. Murderers and other dangerous people are often psychopathic. If you watch a TV show that features a character who is dangerous or even deadly, he might be psychopathic. This is a medical word, unlike "crazy," which can mean dozens of things. If you know that someone is psychopathic, stay away: that person is mentally ill and could hurt you.
Vocabulary lists containing psychopathic
"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury (1950)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: psych
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Martian Chronicles
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Psychopathic traits exist in everyone to some degree and shouldn’t be glorified or stigmatized, she says.
From Scientific American • Jul. 24, 2023
Psychopathic people often find it difficult to perceive, understand, or address emotions due to a lack of emotional intelligence and empathy.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2022
Psychopathic attributes were identified by the Emory team as superficial charm, egocentricity, dishonesty, callousness, risk-taking, poor impulse control and fearlessness.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2019
“It’s apolitical,” said Jason Webber, director of public relations at Psychopathic Records, Insane Clown Posse’s label and a march organizer.
From The Guardian • Sep. 16, 2017
We have laid under contribution practically the entire literature on the subject, almost none of which is in English, and also the thorough-going longitudinal case studies made by the Juvenile Psychopathic Institute of Chicago.
From Pathology of Lying, accusation, and swindling: a study in forensic psychology by Healy, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
