antisocial
antisocial Lexical Profile
antisocial Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Unwilling or unable to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people; preferring to avoid the company of others.
"He wasn't trying to be antisocial at the party; he was simply exhausted from a long week of travel."
Contrary to the laws and customs of society; devoid of or antagonistic to sociable instincts or practices, often causing annoyance or harm to others.
"The city council introduced new community programs to curb vandalism and other antisocial behavior."
• noun
A person who is opposed to social order or who avoids the company of others.
"The novel's protagonist begins as a bitter antisocial before gradually finding his place within the village community."
Word Nuance & Usage
In psychology and formal usage, 'antisocial' specifically denotes hostility toward society and a disregard for others' rights, whereas 'asocial' or 'unsociable' simply means preferring solitude and avoiding social interaction.
• Rhymes for antisocial
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 18th century from the Greek prefix 'anti-' (against) and 'social', from Latin 'socialis' (of companionship or allies).