Sadistically: meaning, definitions and examples

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sadistically

 

[ ˌsædɪˈstɪkli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in a sadistic manner

In a way that shows pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others.

Synonyms

cruelly, maliciously, savagely.

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Word Description / Examples
sadistically

Used when describing actions that cause pain or suffering for pleasure from the person causing it. It often indicates an extreme level of cruelty.

  • The villain sadistically tortured his captives, enjoying their screams of agony
cruelly

Used to describe actions that are intentionally meant to cause harm, pain, or suffering. There's a lack of empathy or kindness.

  • She cruelly criticized his attempts in front of everyone, knowing it would embarrass him
maliciously

Used when actions are meant to harm someone through spite or ill will. It often involves doing something with the intention to cause damage or hurt.

  • He spread the rumor maliciously, hoping it would ruin her reputation
savagely

Used to describe actions done with brutal and violent force, often in a wild or uncontrolled manner. It can also imply a lack of civil behavior.

  • The animal attacked savagely, not stopping until its prey was immobilized

Examples of usage

  • He smiled sadistically as he watched the horror unfold.
  • She laughed sadistically at the misfortune of others.
Context #2 | Adjective

characterized by sadism

Showing a cruel enjoyment in the pain or suffering of others.

Synonyms

cruel, inhumane, vicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sadistically

Best used when describing actions performed with deliberate and excessive cruelty to cause pain or suffering to others, often deriving pleasure from it.

  • The villain in the story sadistically tortured his captives
cruel

Appropriate in general situations where someone causes pain or suffering to others without necessary cause, often showing a lack of empathy or compassion.

  • The teacher was cruel to the students, handing out harsh punishments for minor mistakes
inhumane

Used to describe actions or conditions that are exceptionally harsh and lack basic human compassion and kindness, often violating basic human rights.

  • The conditions in the prison were inhumane, with prisoners being denied essential medical care
vicious

Used to describe actions or behavior that are extremely violent and fierce, often with a malicious intent. It indicates extreme aggression or deliberate harm.

  • The dog became vicious, attacking anyone who came near

Examples of usage

  • The sadistically cruel dictator enjoyed torturing his victims.
  • She had a sadistically gleeful expression as she inflicted pain on the helpless animal.

Translations

Translations of the word "sadistically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sádicamente

🇮🇳 क्रूरता से

🇩🇪 sadistisch

🇮🇩 secara sadis

🇺🇦 садистично

🇵🇱 sadystycznie

🇯🇵 サディスティックに

🇫🇷 sadistiquement

🇪🇸 sádicamente

🇹🇷 sadistçe

🇰🇷 사디스틱하게

🇸🇦 بشكل سادي

🇨🇿 sadisticky

🇸🇰 sadisticky

🇨🇳 虐待地

🇸🇮 sadistično

🇮🇸 sadískt

🇰🇿 садистікалық түрде

🇬🇪 სადისტურად

🇦🇿 sadistcəsinə

🇲🇽 sádicamente

Etymology

The word 'sadistically' is derived from the term 'sadistic,' which originated from the name of the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat known for his libertine sexuality and fascination with inflicting pain. The term 'sadism' was first used in the 19th century to describe the enjoyment of cruelty and suffering. Over time, 'sadistically' has come to be used to describe actions or behaviors that exhibit a sadistic pleasure in causing pain or harm to others.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,513, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.