SADIST Meaning and
Definition
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A sadist is a term used to describe an individual who derives pleasure or satisfaction from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation upon others. Derived from the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat who gained notoriety for his explicit writings exploring sexual cruelty, sadism represents the distorted manifestation of pleasure through the torment or degradation of others.
A sadist often exhibits a range of behaviors reflecting an insidious combination of dominance, power, and a lack of empathy. They may engage in activities that cause physical or emotional harm to others, whether it be through verbal abuse, physical violence, or psychological manipulation, all while deriving pleasure from their victim's suffering. The fundamental characteristic of a sadist lies in their enjoyment of the pain they inflict on others, setting them apart from those who may cause harm unintentionally or out of necessity.
Furthermore, sadistic tendencies can manifest both in consensual and non-consensual contexts. In consensual relationships, such as those involving certain forms of sadomasochism, a sadist may engage in acts of consensual pain or suffering with a willing partner. Contrarily, non-consensual sadism involves engaging in actions that purposefully cause harm to unsuspecting and unwilling individuals for the sadist's personal gratification.
It is important to acknowledge that sadism falls into the category of abnormal psychology, as the desire to harm others is contrary to typical human behavior, which is largely driven by compassion and empathy.
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One who practises sadism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of SADIST
The term "sadist" is derived from the name of the French author Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade (1740-1814). Marquis de Sade was known for his works that involved explicit sexual and violent themes. His writings often depicted extreme pleasure derived from inflicting pain on others, thus leading to the development of the term "sadist". The word "sadist" entered the English language in the mid-19th century to describe individuals who enjoy causing pain or suffering to others for their own pleasure.
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