sadism

Sadism is a psychological tendency or behavior where a person derives pleasure—often in the form of satisfaction, control, or dominance—from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. It exists on a spectrum, from harmless teasing to more harmful actions. In clinical contexts, sadism can be part of certain personality disorders or behaviors, but it’s also recognized within consensual adult activities like BDSM, where limits and consent are emphasized. Understanding sadism involves recognizing the distinction between consensual practices and non-consensual harm, with the key factor being the source and nature of the pleasure involved.