noun

sadism

SAY-dih-zuhm

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Sadism (noun) means the tendency to take pleasure in causing pain, suffering, or humiliation to others. Example: “The villain's sadism made him one of the most disturbing characters in the film.”

noun

The tendency to take pleasure in causing pain, suffering, or humiliation to others.

"The villain's sadism made him one of the most disturbing characters in the film."

How to use sadism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGetting enjoyment from hurting or humiliating others.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "masochism," which is enjoyment from receiving pain, not inflicting it.

Easily confused with

masochism →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: sadisms

Test yourself on “sadism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The villain's _____ made him one of the most disturbing characters in the film.

Etymology

Named after the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French writer notorious for depicting cruelty and violence in his work; the term was coined in French in the 19th century and later popularized by psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing.

Origin: French · First attested 1700

Class of 1700 sadism joined the language around 1700.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sadism” mean?

The word “sadism” means the tendency to take pleasure in causing pain, suffering, or humiliation to others. In plain terms, getting enjoyment from hurting or humiliating others.

How do you pronounce “sadism”?

“Sadism” is pronounced SAY-dih-zuhm (/ˈseɪdɪzəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “sadism” in a sentence?

Here is “sadism” used in a sentence: “The villain's sadism made him one of the most disturbing characters in the film.”

What part of speech is “sadism”?

“Sadism” is a noun.

Where does the word “sadism” come from?

The word “sadism” dates back to around 1700 and comes from French.