n.
Pronunciation: ' s ā - ˌ di-z ə m, ' sa-
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 \ ' s ā -dist, ' sa- \ noun
– sa · dis · tic \ s ə - ' dis-tik also s ā - or sa- \ adjective
– sa · dis · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb