schadenfreude

[shahd-n-froi-duh]

noun

1. satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

Schadenfreude

/ ˈʃaːdənfrɔydə /

noun

1. delight in another's misfortune

Word History and Origins

Origin of schadenfreude¹

1890–95; < German, equivalent to Schaden harm + Freude joy

Word History and Origins

Origin of schadenfreude¹

German: from Schaden harm + Freude joy

Example Sentences

But schadenfreude is the American way, especially if it happens on national television.

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Delicious, especially if you enjoy your schadenfreude served piping hot.

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In the spirit of schadenfreude, I’d have happily watched a whole additional hour of this Chuck-driven armageddon where, as his body collapses, the stars in the sky blink out one by one.

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CNN reported that “Chinese nationalists and state media can hardly contain their schadenfreude right now.”

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In the opening lines of “Vilified,” the first track of his latest album, “I Want Blood,” he sings, “Simulate the feel / Of all that’s true and real / Hey-a schadenfreude crescendo / Hey-a skew the innuendo.”

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