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 of sadism

• cruelty
• brutality

Examples of sadism in a Sentence

a troubled youth with a streak of sadism in him

Recent Examples on the Web

An extra-dark comedy that veers toward sadism, the film is saved by the chemistry and star power of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas (fresh off their Romancing the Stone series), with an assist from an excellent Danny DeVito. —Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026

Over Your Dead Body is not for the faint of heart, but give or take a rape threat that crosses the line into smug sadism without quite seeming to realize it, the violence lands as more comically cartoonish than horrific. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026

While often associated with extreme behavior, sub-clinical sadism manifests in more mundane ways, such as internet trolling or a fascination with violent video games. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Feb. 2026

The series begins before Gein has ever killed, in 1945, as dawning awareness of death camps in Europe fills the air with sadism and conspiracy thinking. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French sadisme, from Marquis de sade + -isme -ism

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