sadism

American  

[sey-diz-uhm, sad-iz-] / ˈseɪ dɪz əm, ˈsæd ɪz- /

noun

1. Psychiatry. the condition in which sexual gratification depends on causing pain or degradation to others.

2. any enjoyment in being cruel.

3. extreme cruelty.

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sadism British  

/ ˈseɪdɪzəm, ˈsæ-, səˈdɪstɪk /

noun

1. the gaining of pleasure or sexual gratification from the infliction of pain and mental suffering on another person See also algolagnia Compare masochism

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sadism Cultural  

1. Abnormal behavior characterized by deriving sexual gratification from inflicting pain on others. More loosely, sadism refers to deriving any pleasure from inflicting pain. Named after the Marquis de Sade, a French author of the eighteenth century, whose works describe many sexual perversities.

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Other Word Forms

• sadist noun
• sadistic adjective
• sadistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of sadism

First recorded in 1885–90; from French sadisme; Sade, -ism

Example Sentences

The boys and men - whom Ms Barrett calls "crimefluencers" - subscribe to a variety of ideologies, including including nihilism, sadism, Nazism and satanism.

From BBC

Jonsson’s Andy fluctuates along that spectrum, stopping short of David’s contempt and sadism in his upgraded self, but never approaching Bishop’s level of humanity.

From Salon

But the sadism is accompanied by a trollish glee that reads far more like a 13-year-old boy's failed attempts at humor than what one would expect from a 53-year-old businessman and father of 12.

From Salon

One of the things I saw a parallel to is about trying to unlearn these toxic practices and change this culture of the sadism that we associate with these great restaurants.

From Salon

Accusing her of cruelty and sadism without any proof, they appeared shortly after the Ukrainian army had liberated Kherson.

From BBC

Related Words

• malice