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)
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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.
People with strong psychopathic traits often show reduced empathy, little remorse for harmful actions, and, in some cases, a greater likelihood of criminal behavior.
From Science Daily • May 10, 2026
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by psychologist Dr. Leanne ten Brinke whose new book, Poisonous People, explores the impact that people with psychopathic and related personality traits have on our everyday lives.
From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026
Actor Cillian Murphy has said he is nothing like his Peaky Blinders character Tommy Shelby, because he is not a "psychopathic gangster".
From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025
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
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.
