ENGLISH
REFERENCE

psychopath

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈsaɪkoʊˌpæθ// UK //sˈaɪkəʊpˌɑːθ// psy·chopath Archaic

n. a person who lacks empathy and does not care about the feelings or safety of others. You might hear this word used to describe someone who lies easily, manipulates people, and feels no guilt.

n. a person afflicted with a severe personality disorder characterised by antisocial behaviour, diminished empathy, and a lack of remorse. In non-clinical contexts, it frequently describes anyone who behaves in a ruthlessly manipulative or callous manner.


SIMPLE

The movie features a dangerous psychopath who manipulates everyone around him.

CONTEXTUAL

The detective realized the suspect was a psychopath who felt absolutely no guilt about the crimes he had committed.

COMPLEX

Although true clinical psychopaths are rare, corporate environments sometimes reward individuals who exhibit similar traits, such as superficial charm and a complete disregard for colleagues.

Synonyms
Origin

From German psychopathisch, from Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhḗ, “soul”) + πάθος (páthos, “suffering”).

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