noun
- the tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others
Usage: psychology
Examples
- The dictator’s sadism was evident in his treatment of political prisoners.
- Psychological studies examine the roots of sadism in human behavior.
- The novel explored themes of power and sadism in wartime.
- His sadism made him unsuitable for any position involving authority over others.
- The documentary revealed the sadism of the corrupt regime.
- Experts debated whether his actions stemmed from sadism or mental illness.