Antisocial

The term 'antisocial' describes behavior that is disruptive, aggressive, or harmful to others, or that disregards the accepted social norms and conventions of a community. It often indicates a lack of empathy and a tendency to prioritize one's own needs above the welfare of others. It can manifest in various ways, ranging from minor disregard for social etiquette to criminal behavior. Understanding the context is crucial as 'antisocial' can also refer to a personality disorder or a more general lack of sociability. It can also imply that an individual is avoiding or feeling negative towards social interaction, even if they are not actively harmful. It also points towards an avoidance of interaction because of a feeling of discomfort or avoidance of situations where sociability is needed or expected.

Antisocial meaning with examples

• The teenager's antisocial behavior, such as constant rule-breaking and disregard for authority, concerned his parents, leading them to seek professional help. He had begun to refuse to listen to any form of authority or instruction and this was causing problems with his family and at school. They were concerned that he would start engaging in activities that might put himself or others at risk.
• The antisocial graffiti sprayed on the community center walls caused outrage among residents, who felt their shared space had been vandalized. It was a particularly ugly type of graffiti that had caused a number of people to feel quite distressed by the language and imagery used. Repairing the damage has cost the local authorities a considerable amount of money, and they will be looking to take legal action if possible.
• His antisocial tendencies, like isolating himself from social events and showing little interest in his classmates' lives, made it difficult for him to form friendships. It seemed he was happy in his own company, but the lack of a social life was starting to affect his emotional well-being. He was finding it hard to focus in class as he was worried about what his peers thought of him.
• A person with antisocial personality disorder might exhibit persistent lying, impulsivity, and a lack of remorse for their actions, causing considerable harm to those around them. This individual had previously had legal run-ins due to actions that put other members of the public at risk. He continued to show no concern for the harm he had caused.