Sociopathic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a person who has a personality disorder that involves persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, and often criminal activity. It's often used in psychological or criminal contexts.

• The main character in the movie was a sociopathic genius who manipulated everyone around him.
• Detectives believed the suspect exhibited sociopathic tendencies.

Refers to someone with a severe personality disorder marked by persistent antisocial behavior, lack of empathy, and often violent tendencies. It's typically used in criminal psychology and forensic settings and carries a very negative connotation.

• The forensic psychologist described the inmate as psychopathic due to his complete lack of remorse.
• Studies have shown that psychopathic individuals can be charming but deceitful.

Generally used to describe someone who avoids social interactions or struggles with social norms. It can also denote a personality disorder characterized by disregard for others' rights and lack of remorse. Its usage ranges from everyday language to psychological contexts.

• Tom's antisocial behavior made it difficult for him to make friends.
• Individuals with antisocial personality disorder may often find themselves in trouble with the law.

This term describes someone who shows little or no emotion. It’s often used in everyday language to describe someone's demeanor or reaction in various situations.

• She remained unemotional even after receiving the awful news.
• His unemotional response to the beautiful scenery was surprising to everyone.

Often used in a psychological or behavioral context to describe a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. It is generally considered negative.

• The character in the movie showed sociopathic tendencies, manipulating others without any sign of remorse.

Used primarily in a clinical setting to describe someone with a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and often, bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. Highly negative connotation.

• The detective suspected that the heinous crimes were committed by someone with psychopathic traits.

Refers to behavior that goes against the norms of social conduct, often leading to social isolation. It is not always linked to psychological issues but more to behavior that is unfriendly or unforthcoming.

• John's antisocial habits made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.

Describes a person or action that shows an indifference to or disregard for morality. Unlike 'immoral,' it doesn't indicate that the person acts against morality on purpose but simply that they do not consider moral aspects.

• The company's amoral policies prioritize profit over human well-being, ignoring the ethical implications.