What is sadist?

A sadist is someone who derives pleasure, often sexual, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. The term originates from the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat known for his erotic works depicting violent and cruel sexual acts.

Key characteristics associated with sadism include:

• Inflicting Pain: A central aspect is the enjoyment of causing physical or emotional pain to others.
• Dominance and Control: Sadists often seek to exert power and control over their victims.
• Humiliation: The degradation and humiliation of others can be a source of pleasure.
• Lack of Empathy: Sadists may exhibit a reduced capacity to understand or share the feelings of others.

It's crucial to distinguish between sadistic fantasies or isolated acts and a diagnosable mental disorder. Sadistic%20Personality%20Disorder is a proposed but not universally accepted diagnosis, characterized by a pervasive pattern of cruel, demeaning, and aggressive behavior. It is different from Sexual%20Sadism%20Disorder, which is a paraphilia where sexual arousal is dependent on inflicting pain or suffering.

The causes of sadism are complex and not fully understood, potentially involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.