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Sadistically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ˆ
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sadistically

[หŒsรฆdษชหˆstษชkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a sadistic manner

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

Synonyms

cruelly, maliciously, savagely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sadistic behavior can be viewed as a psychological phenomenon often linked to underlying issues such as power dynamics, control, or past trauma.
  • Research in psychology indicates that certain individuals may derive excitement or pleasure from manipulating or inflicting pain on others, which can suggest deeper personality disorders.
  • In clinical settings, sadistic tendencies are often associated with antisocial behavior patterns, leading to further studies on empathy and moral reasoning among individuals.

Pop Culture

  • The concept has been prominently explored in films like 'The Silence of the Lambs', where the antagonist exhibits sadistic traits, bringing attention to the dark complexities of human nature.
  • Musicians and artists have sometimes drawn on sadistic themes to provoke thought or discomfort, using shock value to make statements about society.
  • Various video games have interactive elements where players can choose sadistic actions, often sparking debates about the moral implications of such choices in entertainment.

Literature

  • Numerous works of literature, from ancient texts to modern horror novels, explore the concept of sadism through characters who derive pleasure from domination and cruelty.
  • Many classic tales caution against the allure of sadistic desires, framing them as paths to moral decay or existential despair.
  • Contemporary literature often examines the societal and psychological roots of sadistic behavior, questioning why individuals may become sadistic in nature.

Origin of 'sadistically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the name of the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French writer known for his controversial and explicit themes surrounding pleasure and pain.
  • In the late 19th century, the term began to be used in psychology to describe a particular kind of pleasure derived from causing suffering to others.
  • The adjective form 'sadistic' emerged in English around the 1920s, illustrating a deeper understanding of human motivations.

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.