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

Gaiman's representatives have responded to some outlets, claiming the incidents were consensual and instances of practicing BDSM (bondage, discipline/dominance, submission/sadism and masochism). —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

David Lynch’s cinematic masterpiece pulls back the curtain on the sadism and malevolence hiding behind the picket fences of middle America. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025

All the sadism which the academic Left has tried to make unacceptable to its students will come flooding back. —Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Pavlovich’s allegations, like others against Gaiman, often involve acts associated with BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025

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