Sadist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sadist
[หseษชdษชst ]
Definitions
psychology
A person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others, often with a sexual connotation.
Synonyms
cruel person, masochist, tormentor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sadist |
This term is used to describe someone who takes pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others. It is often used in psychological or clinical contexts, as well as in everyday speech to describe extremely cruel behavior.
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| masochist |
This term refers to someone who finds pleasure in experiencing their own pain or humiliation. It is often used in a psychological or clinical sense, but can also appear in casual conversation.
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| tormentor |
A tormentor is someone who causes repeated suffering, anxiety, or pain to another person. The term can be used in both physical and psychological contexts.
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| cruel person |
This phrase is used to describe someone who is intentionally harsh, heartless, or unkind. It can apply in a broad range of situations and is more general than 'sadist'.
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Examples of usage
- He was labeled a sadist after his disturbing behavior towards animals was revealed.
- The sadist enjoyed watching others suffer.
informal
A person who enjoys causing pain or suffering, often in a non-sexual context.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sadist |
Someone who takes pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others. This term is often used to describe a person who enjoys being cruel or tormenting others.
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| bully |
A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable. This term is often used in the context of schoolyard behavior or workplace harassment.
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| tyrant |
A ruler or person in authority who exercises power in a cruel or oppressive way. This term is often used in historical or political contexts to describe oppressive leaders.
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| schemer |
Someone who is always planning or plotting, often with deceptive or dishonest intentions. This term implies a more calculated approach to achieving one's goals, not necessarily through direct cruelty.
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Examples of usage
- She's such a sadist, always playing pranks on her friends.
- The movie villain was portrayed as a sadist who enjoyed causing chaos.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists often explore how history, trauma, and social environments can play a role in sadistic behavior.
- Research indicates that individuals with sadistic traits may have underlying issues like low self-esteem or a need for control.
- Some studies suggest traits related to sadism can be linked to the enjoyment of violent video games or films.
Cultural Impact
- In literature and film, sadistic characters often serve as antagonists, embodying extreme cruelty and moral challenges.
- The concept of sadism has influenced various art forms, particularly in horror genre storytelling, amplifying emotional tension.
- Famous characters like Joffrey Baratheon from 'Game of Thrones' or Anton Chigurh from 'No Country for Old Men' exemplify sadistic traits.
Legal Context
- Sadism can sometimes come into play in criminal psychology, particularly in understanding violent offenders' motivations.
- Legal systems may treat crimes involving sadism more seriously, as they raise concerns about the perpetrator's mental health.
- The discussion of sadism in law often intersects with debates about consent, particularly in the context of BDSM communities.
Popular Culture
- Shows like 'Dexter' and 'Hannibal' portray sadistic tendencies to add layers to characters and create psychologically complex narratives.
- Some music genres, particularly heavy metal and punk, utilize sadistic imagery to evoke strong reactions and challenge societal norms.
- The concept has even been explored in video games, where sadistic choices can lead to varying story outcomes.
Origin of 'sadist'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'sadist' comes from the name of the French writer Marquis de Sade, who wrote stories where characters inflicted pain.
- In the 19th century, the concept started to be used in psychological contexts to describe a certain kind of behavior.
- The word has evolved over time, originally strictly describing someone who is sexually aroused by inflicting pain.
The term 'sadist' originates from the name of the Marquis de Sade, a French nobleman and writer known for his erotic works that often involved violence and cruelty. His name became associated with the concept of deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, leading to the term 'sadist' being used to describe such behavior.
See also: sad, sadden, saddened, sadder, sadism, sadly, sadness.