psychopathy
noun
psy·chop·a·thy
sī-ˈkä-pə-thē 
plural psychopathies
: mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies
Examples of psychopathy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Conversely, men score higher than women on dark side personality traits, such narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and aggression (especially unprovoked), which account for much of the toxic and destructive behaviors displayed by powerful leaders - usually male - who derail.
—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
In its early stages especially, as Frankenstein collects the pieces for his monster, the movie has an atmosphere of later, grittier films that examine the psychopathy of twisted men, like Maniac (1963) and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986).
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2023
In another study published last year, Evita March, senior lecturer in psychology at Federation University in Australia, found that people with the strong personality traits of sadism, psychopathy, and narcissism were more likely to catfish.
—Sen Nguyen, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024
And as the Joker, Mark Hamill (ultimately picked over Tim Curry, who also auditioned) brought some Amadeus energy — and, of course, that laugh — into his flamboyant psychopathy.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023
Researchers found that individuals with high levels of psychopathy and narcissism are especially inclined towards this form of cheating.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Researchers found that high levels of psychopathy, characterized by antisocial behaviors, thrill-seeking, low empathy and callousness, are linked to engaging in physical infidelity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Seeing psychopathy through this different lens opened new doors to researchers.
—David Adam, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023
Some even want to reclaim and rehabilitate the concept of psychopathy itself.
—David Adam, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
In its early stages especially, as Frankenstein collects the pieces for his monster, the movie has an atmosphere of later, grittier films that examine the psychopathy of twisted men, like Maniac (1963) and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986).
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2023
In another study published last year, Evita March, senior lecturer in psychology at Federation University in Australia, found that people with the strong personality traits of sadism, psychopathy, and narcissism were more likely to catfish.
—Sen Nguyen, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024
And as the Joker, Mark Hamill (ultimately picked over Tim Curry, who also auditioned) brought some Amadeus energy — and, of course, that laugh — into his flamboyant psychopathy.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023
Researchers found that individuals with high levels of psychopathy and narcissism are especially inclined towards this form of cheating.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Researchers found that high levels of psychopathy, characterized by antisocial behaviors, thrill-seeking, low empathy and callousness, are linked to engaging in physical infidelity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Seeing psychopathy through this different lens opened new doors to researchers.
—David Adam, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023
Some even want to reclaim and rehabilitate the concept of psychopathy itself.
—David Adam, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'psychopathy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Psychopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychopathy. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
psychopathy
noun
psy·chop·a·thy
sī-ˈkäp-ə-thē
plural psychopathies
1
: mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and criminal tendencies
2
especially formerly
: antisocial personality
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