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noun

sociopath

SOH-see-uh-path

Sociopath (noun) means a person with an antisocial personality disorder marked by a lack of empathy and disregard for others' rights. Example: “The film portrays the killer as a calculating sociopath.”

noun
1
A person with an antisocial personality disorder marked by a lack of empathy and disregard for others' rights.
"The film portrays the killer as a calculating sociopath."

How to use sociopath

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who habitually disregards other people's feelings or rights, often manipulatively.

Common mistake

Not an official clinical diagnosis by itself — clinicians typically use "antisocial personality disorder."

Easily confused with

Word forms

sociopaths plural

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The film portrays the killer as a calculating _____.

Etymology

From socio- + -path (as in psychopath), first used around 1914.

· First attested 1914

Class of 1914 sociopath joined the language around 1914.
See the full Class of 1914 →

Related words

Rhymes for sociopath

See all rhymes for sociopath →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sociopath” mean?

The word “sociopath” means a person with an antisocial personality disorder marked by a lack of empathy and disregard for others' rights. In plain terms, someone who habitually disregards other people's feelings or rights, often manipulatively.

How do you pronounce “sociopath”?

“Sociopath” is pronounced SOH-see-uh-path (/ˈsəʊ.si.ə(ʊ)ˌpæθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “sociopath” in a sentence?

Here is “sociopath” used in a sentence: “The film portrays the killer as a calculating sociopath.”

What part of speech is “sociopath”?

“Sociopath” is a noun.

Where does the word “sociopath” come from?

The word “sociopath” dates back to around 1914. From socio- + -path (as in psychopath), first used around 1914.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial