sadistic

[ suh-dis-tik, sey-, sa- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by sadism; deriving pleasure or sexual gratification from extreme cruelty:

   a sadistic psychopath.

Other Words From

• sa·disti·cal·ly adverb
• nonsa·distic adjective
• nonsa·disti·cal·ly adverb
• unsa·distic adjective
• unsa·disti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadistic¹

sad(ism) + -istic

Example Sentences

"The suffering the animals endured is sickening and sadistic; it's impossible to comprehend how anyone could find it enjoyable."

From BBC

Jailing the women, Judge James Burbidge KC described their behaviour as "deplorable, abhorrent and sadistic".

From BBC

Some of the content featured victims under the age of 12, who were depicted in a “sadistic or masochistic” setting.

From Los Angeles Times

The report by Keith Makin described Smyth's abuse as a "clearly sexually motivated, sadistic regime" of beatings.

From BBC

Trump has done real damage to the American psyche, especially when it comes to his supporters, who have become angrier, more paranoid and more sadistic over the past nine years.

From Salon

Related Words

• barbarous
• brutal
• perverse
• ruthless
• vicious