psychopathic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- nonpsychopathic adjective
- unpsychopathic adjective
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)
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: psych
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The Martian Chronicles
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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.
One of those flashback chapters, “The Cradle of Civilization,” unravels the ironic, ravaging narcissistic, perhaps psychopathic implications of the title.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025
The psychopathic apple may not fall too far from the traumatized tree, is all I’m saying.
From Salon • Feb. 10, 2025
On Wednesday, chief prosecutor Ute Lindemann described Brückner as a "dangerous, psychopathic sadist" and said he should be placed in preventive detention after serving his sentence.
From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024
“His portrayal of Joe Davola managed to feel real and grounded and psychopathic and absurd and hilarious all at the same time,” Mr. Charles wrote on social media.
From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2024
But the worst part is that for the few minutes every hour when I’m not psychopathic, I know that to be with Brian: I would give all ten fingers.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
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.
