Simple Definition of sadism

from our Learner's Dictionary

sadism

noun

ˈseɪˌdɪzəm

: enjoyment that someone gets from being violent or cruel or from causing pain

especially : sexual enjoyment from hurting or punishing someone

sexual sadism

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“Sadism.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sadism. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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