sadistic
/səˈdɪstɪk/
Group 29Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others GRE
Example in Context
The investigation revealed a pattern of sadistic treatment of detainees that violated every standard of humane conduct recognized under international law.
Synonyms
cruelbrutalvicious
Etymology
Derives from a name associated with deriving pleasure from others' suffering.
- Sadism (French) — pleasure in pain
Memory Aid
😈Sounds like “sad is tick”
When the villain said 'SAD IS TICK,' he laughed maniacally, delighting in others' pain — he's SADISTIC!
Visual Association
🦹A villain twirling his mustache while watching his victims suffer, with a gleeful grin.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sadistic” mean on the GRE?
sadistic (adjective) means “Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others”. The investigation revealed a pattern of sadistic treatment of detainees that violated every standard of humane conduct recognized under international law.
How to remember “sadistic” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sadistic” sounds like “sad is tick”. When the villain said 'SAD IS TICK,' he laughed maniacally, delighting in others' pain — he's SADISTIC!
What are synonyms for “sadistic”?
Common synonyms: cruel, brutal, vicious.