Sadist

A sadist is an individual who derives pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. This pleasure can be psychological or physical. The term often implies a deliberate and malicious intent, going beyond mere aggression. Sadism can manifest in various ways, from subtle acts of manipulation to extreme forms of violence. While the term is most commonly associated with sexual sadism, the core characteristic remains the enjoyment of others' distress, regardless of the specific context. Sadism often involves a power dynamic, where the sadist asserts control over the victim.

Sadist meaning with examples

• The villain in the novel, a true sadist, meticulously planned his cruel acts, relishing the fear and pain he inflicted on his victims. He saw their suffering as a source of amusement, showing no remorse for his deeds. The police were looking for any evidence to connect him to other victims and finally bring an end to his sadism.
• The historical account detailed the actions of a particularly brutal leader, whose sadism was evident in his public executions and tortures. It's believed his acts of terror helped maintain his power.
• The clinical psychologist noted a pattern of sadistic behavior in the patient's interactions, including taunting, belittling, and the intentional frustration of others. Treatment would focus on identifying the roots of his sadism and developing empathy.
• In the play, the character's dialogue and actions revealed a sadistic streak, using verbal abuse and psychological manipulation to control those around him, gaining personal power from the other characters' reactions.
• Despite the horrific nature of the crimes, the lawyer focused on whether his client had a diagnosable disorder to determine if the criminal had a case of sadism.