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Sadistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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sadistic

 

[ səˈdɪstɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Deriving pleasure or enjoyment from extreme cruelty.

Synonyms

brutal, cruel, inhumane, vicious

Examples of usage

  • He had a sadistic streak that made him enjoy inflicting pain on others.
  • The sadistic killer showed no remorse for his heinous crimes.
Context #2 | Adjective

personality

Showing a lack of empathy or compassion for others' suffering.

Synonyms

callous, heartless, merciless, ruthless

Examples of usage

  • Her sadistic tendencies towards animals raised concerns among her friends.
  • The boss's sadistic treatment of his employees created a toxic work environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "sadistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sádico

🇮🇳 सैडिस्टिक

🇩🇪 sadistisch

🇮🇩 sadis

🇺🇦 садистський

🇵🇱 sadystyczny

🇯🇵 サディスティック (sadisutikku)

🇫🇷 sadique

🇪🇸 sádico

🇹🇷 sadist

🇰🇷 사디스틱 (sadiseutik)

🇸🇦 سادي

🇨🇿 sadistický

🇸🇰 sadistický

🇨🇳 虐待狂 (nüèdàikuáng)

🇸🇮 sadističen

🇮🇸 sadískur

🇰🇿 садистік

🇬🇪 სადისტური (sadisturi)

🇦🇿 sadistik

🇲🇽 sádico

Etymology

The word 'sadistic' is derived from the name of the Marquis de Sade, a French nobleman who lived in the 18th century. He was known for his libertine sexuality and his writings that depicted extreme acts of cruelty and violence. The term 'sadistic' was first used in the 19th century to describe behavior characterized by deriving pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,333, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.