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

Among the interesting interviewees is psychology professor Abigail Marsh, whose personal history prompted her interest in understanding the neural and cognitive basis of empathy, altruism, aggression and psychopathy. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 26 June 2024

There’s a psychopathy to their methods and a relationship with life and death that feels cut off from the daily lives and deaths of the L.A. populace. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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