sa·dism
Pronunciation:
\ˈsā-ˌdi-zəm, ˈsa-\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
International Scientific Vocabulary, from Marquis de Sade
Date:
1888
1: a sexual perversion in which gratification is obtained by the infliction of physical or mental pain on others (as on a love object) — compare masochism
2 a: delight in cruelty b: excessive cruelty
— sa·dist \ˈsā-dist, ˈsa-\ noun
— sa·dis·tic \sə-ˈdis-tik also sā- or sa-\ adjective
— sa·dis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb