sadistic
suh-DIS-tik
/səˈdɪs.tɪk/
Deriving pleasure, gratification, or satisfaction from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.
Focuses specifically on the psychological enjoyment derived from another person's agony.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century from the name of the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French aristocrat whose writings depicted graphic scenarios of cruelty and sexual dominance.
Word relationships
- cruel: Cruel implies causing pain without pity; sadistic emphasizes taking direct pleasure in that pain.
- barbaric: Barbaric focuses on primitive savagery.
- masochistic: Deriving pleasure from suffering pain oneself rather than inflicting it.
- compassionate: Feeling sympathy and concern for others in distress.
Commonly confused with
- masochistic: Sadistic means enjoying inflicting pain; masochistic means enjoying receiving pain.
Word family
- sadism (noun): The tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain.
- sadist (noun): A person who derives pleasure from cruelty.
Collocations
- sadistic pleasure
- sadistic behavior
- sadistic streak
Idioms & expressions
- take delight in suffering
Example sentences
- "The warden displayed a sadistic pleasure in tormenting the prisoners under his care." Psychological profile
- "The film was criticized for its unnecessary focus on sadistic violence." Film review
Memory hook
Marquis de Sade gave his name to SADistic acts of cruel pleasure. Sade = Sadistic; enjoying cruelty.
When not to use
Avoid using merely for strictness or toughness; it requires active enjoyment of pain.
Fun facts
- Psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing officially introduced 'sadism' into medical literature in 1886.
Related words
Explore more words
malice, hedonism, malevolence, vindictive, vengeance, malevolent
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