antisocial

[ an-tee-soh-shuhl, an-tahy- ]

adjective

1. unwilling or unable to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people:

   He's not antisocial, just shy.

   Synonyms: misanthropic, retiring, unsociable

   Antonyms: affable, genial, gregarious

2. antagonistic, hostile, or unfriendly toward others; menacing; threatening:

   an antisocial act.

   Synonyms: intimidating, disruptive

3. opposed or detrimental to social order or the principles on which society is constituted:

   antisocial behavior.

4. Psychiatry. of or relating to a pattern of behavior in which social norms and the rights of others are persistently violated.

noun

1. a person exhibiting antisocial traits.

antisocial

/ ˌæntɪˈsəʊʃəl /

adjective

1. avoiding the company of other people; unsociable
2. contrary or injurious to the interests of society in general

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈsocially, adverb

Other Words From

• anti·soci·ali·ty noun
• anti·social·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antisocial¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; anti- + social

Example Sentences

There are endless articles about the "male loneliness epidemic," which are well-intended but overlook how too many men follow leaders who openly encourage antisocial behavior.

From Salon

The violent and other antisocial behavior he has encouraged and given permission for will, in all likelihood, continue well past the 2024 election, whatever the outcome is on Election Day.

From Salon

These focused on issues of mould and damp for tenants but complaints handling and "antisocial behaviour" also featured.

From BBC

Trump and his surrogates — most notably his vice-presidential pick JD Vance — have reacted with more racism, white supremacy, antisemitism, misogyny, threats of violence, demagoguery, lies, and other antidemocratic and antisocial behavior.

From Salon

In a statement, the Belfast Trust said it was "concerned about an increase in antisocial behaviour including drug usage and drug dealing on the Royal Hospitals site".

From BBC

Related Words

• alienated
• introverted
• standoffish