sadist
sadist Lexical Profile
sadist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who derives pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.
"The psychological profile described the antagonist as a ruthless sadist who delighted in the misery of his captives."
A person who enjoys being cruel, harsh, or unkind to others in everyday situations.
"Only a complete sadist would schedule a mandatory three-hour staff meeting on a Friday afternoon."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'sadist' (one who derives pleasure from inflicting pain on others) with 'masochist' (one who derives pleasure from experiencing pain or humiliation).
• Rhymes for sadist
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French 'sadiste', named after the Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), a French nobleman and writer whose works famously depicted cruelty and sexual violence.