sadism /sā″dizəm, sad″izəm/ [Marquis Donatien A.F. de Sade, French writer, 1740–1814] , 1. abnormal pleasure derived from inflicting physical or psychological pain or abuse on others; cruelty. 2. (in psychiatry) a psychosexual disorder characterized by the infliction of physical or psychological pain or humiliation on another person, either a consenting or a nonconsenting partner, to achieve sexual excitement or gratification. The condition is usually chronic, is seen predominantly in men, may result from conscious or unconscious motivations or desires, and, in severe cases, can lead to rape, torture, and murder. Also called active algolagnia, sexual sadism. Compare masochism. Kinds include anal sadism, oral sadism. See also algolagnia, sadomasochism.
