sadistic

[US]/sæˈdɪstɪk/
[UK]/sæ'dɪstɪk/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others

Example Sentences

a mannish, sadistic matron.

Do sadistic films deprave the viewers?

"Humans are basically sadistic; watch how toddlers calumniate their siblings, just to watch the spectacle of the punishment."

The sadistic killer enjoyed inflicting pain on his victims.

Her sadistic sense of humor made others uncomfortable.

The movie depicted a sadistic character who took pleasure in causing harm.

The sadistic boss enjoyed making his employees feel miserable.

She had a sadistic streak that emerged when she was angry.

The sadistic bully tormented the weaker kids at school.

His sadistic tendencies were a cause for concern among his friends.

The sadistic character in the novel was truly terrifying.

The sadistic behavior of the dictator led to widespread suffering among the population.

The sadistic nature of the experiment horrified the researchers.

Real-world Examples

Typically torture falls into two categories, sadistic and functional.

Source: Criminal Minds Season 1

It was not a sadistic, motiveless attack, he said.

Source: The Guardian (Article Version)

Listen, she's sadistic. Ok. She threatened you. She threatened everyone.

Source: The Vampire Diaries Season 2

And we have to underscore, these were particularly sadistic or horrific home invasion.

Source: NPR News July 2020 Compilation

I don't know if you're indecisive, sadistic, or just plain crazy.

Source: Modern Family - Season 10

A guard who called himself Hitler would organize sadistic dinner entertainment for his colleagues.

Source: New York Times

[Narrator]: Lee comes face to face against the bearded, sadistic and facially scraced O'Hara in a martial arts tournament.

Source: Listening Digest

I don't relish the thought of killing another creature, even a sadistic one like James.

Source: Twilight Saga Selected

These sadistic youths had around Portu Prince gave rise to a tidal wave of sexual assault.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

By the time Bruno crossed Gargiulo's path, the killer had grown even more sadistic, authorities suspected.

Source: People Magazine

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