sadism

[ sey-diz-uhm, sad-iz- ]

noun

1. Psychiatry. the condition in which sexual gratification depends on causing pain or degradation to others. Compare masochism.
2. any enjoyment in being cruel.
3. extreme cruelty.

sadism

/ 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

sadism

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.

Derived Forms

• sadistic, adjective
• saˈdistically, adverb
• ˈsadist, noun

Other Words From

• sadist noun adjective
• sa·dis·tic [s, uh, -, dis, -tik, sey-, sa-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadism¹

C19: from French, named after the Marquis de Sade

Example Sentences

Trump and his agents are experts at political sadism, trauma, and cruelty.

From Salon

Both awkward and stumbling through self-worth, initially depending on the affections of a wealthy white man, Frida becomes the object of King’s sadism.

From Salon

The Harris-Walz message of "joy" is a counterpoint to what Trump is offering, which is an endless barrage of anger, despair, nihilism, and sadism.

From Salon

She nixed adultery, group sex, sadism, incest and sex at too tender an age.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Mr Justice Garnham said he did not think Robinson's actions could be classed as "sadism" as it was not proven she got any pleasure, in particular sexual, from her actions.

From BBC

Related Words

• malice