OpenSynonym

sadism

/ˈseɪdɪzəm/

NOUN

1. Enjoyment of inflicting pain or humiliation

The tendency to derive pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment from causing physical pain, emotional suffering, or humiliation to others, often without showing pity or remorse.

1.1. Cruelty and deliberate infliction of suffering

Used to describe the enjoyment or satisfaction someone experiences when deliberately causing physical or emotional pain, distress, or humiliation to another person or animal.

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Examples

  • The horror movie depicted scenes of extreme sadism that left the audience disturbed.
  • His cruel actions reflected a disturbing level of sadism towards helpless animals.
  • The villain in the story reveled in acts of gratuitous sadism to assert dominance.
  • The psychologist studied the manifestation of sadism in criminal behavior.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Sexual gratification through inflicting pain

The achievement of sexual pleasure or gratification through inflicting physical pain or humiliation on another person, or through witnessing another person experience such suffering.

NOUN

3. Deliberate cruelty toward others

The intentional infliction of mental or physical suffering on people or animals, regardless of whether the behavior is motivated by sexual gratification.

3.1. Inhumane treatment of people and animals

Used to describe exceptionally cruel, merciless, or inhumane behavior involving the deliberate mistreatment, torment, or abuse of other living beings.

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Examples

  • The graphic novel explored the dark theme of sadism within the context of power dynamics.
  • The deliberate mistreatment of helpless prisoners revealed the sadism of their captors.
  • The investigation exposed the sadism involved in the systematic abuse of animals.

Related Words