sadism

noun

sa·​dism ˈsā-ˌdi-zəm 

ˈsa-

1

: the derivation of sexual gratification from the infliction of physical pain or humiliation on another person compare masochism, sadomasochism

2

a

: delight in cruelty

b

: extreme cruelty

Did you know?

What is the Difference Between the Words masochism & sadism?

Masochism and sadism are both about the enjoyment of pain. Masochism refers to the enjoyment of experiencing pain while sadism refers to the enjoyment of inflicting pain on someone else.

Interestingly, both masochism and sadism are eponymous words. English has thousands of such words, taken from the names of people both real and fictional. Masochism comes from the name of the 19th century German novelist, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. It is unusual in that it began to be used during the lifetime of the man from whom it originated (Sacher-Masoch died in 1895, and masochism had been in printed use since 1892). Sadism comes from the name of the French writer, the Marquis de Sade (1740-1814).

The two words are not only often encountered in connection with one another, they have been combined into a single word, sadomasochism.

Synonyms

• atrociousness
• atrocity
• barbarity
• barbarousness
• brutality
• cruelness
• cruelty
• fiendishness
• heartlessness
• inhumanity
• inhumanness
• savageness
• savagery
• truculence
• viciousness
• wantonness

Examples of sadism in a Sentence

a troubled youth with a streak of sadism in him

Recent Examples on the Web

The acronym stands for bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism and masochism. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 Sep. 2023

During the Sixties, however, the left began to switch its focus from economic selfishness to social and cultural sadism. —Ian Buruma, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023

Before the Netflix series, Dahmer had become a cultural avatar for sadism adopted colloquially (and distastefully) in songs by the likes of Katy Perry, Kesha, and Eminem. —Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 4 Oct. 2022

That format — a small and worshipful group, a self-aggrandizing legend, and an insecure guinea pig selected for public exposure — is the perfect showcase of sadism and self-revelation. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2022

The way in which Trump governs, in fits of spite and sudden blistering sadism and skeins of wild self-pity, is unique to Trump, but the fundamental nihilism at his core isn’t really out of keeping with the way that Republicans have behaved over the last couple of generations. —David Roth, The New Republic, 27 Oct. 2020

In this, these warlords perhaps reflect their own master’s sadism, as Nobunaga is abusive, loud, and cruel, the kind of leader who will scream at his retainers to kill themselves (and each other) as a test of their loyalty. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 May 2023

Not infrequently, fantasy punishment discourse devolves into X-rated trolling or actual sadism. —Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2022

In humans, Rorschach inkblots might help to ferret out a killer by coaxing out hints of anger or sadism — emotions that might motivate someone to commit heinous acts. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2018

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Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Marquis de Sade

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sadism

noun

sa·​dism ˈsā-ˌdiz-əm 

ˈsad-ˌiz-

1

: abnormal behavior in which sexual pleasure is obtained by hurting another

2

a

: pleasure taken in cruelty

b

: very great cruelty

sadistic

sə-ˈdis-tik 

 also  sā-

adjective

Medical Definition

sadism

noun

sa·​dism ˈsā-ˌdiz-əm  ˈsad-ˌiz- 

: a sexual perversion in which gratification is obtained by the infliction of physical or mental pain on others (as on a love object) compare algolagnia, masochism

sadistic

sə-ˈdis-tik also sā- or sa-

adjective

sadistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb