sadism

/ˈseɪdɪzəm/
noun
  1. The tendency to get pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from causing pain or suffering to others.
    • The movie was criticized for its graphic depiction of sadism and violence.
    • The villain's sadism was evident in the way he enjoyed tormenting his captives.
    • Some psychologists study the link between sadism and certain personality disorders.
  2. Extreme cruelty or enjoyment of others' pain in a non-sexual context.
    • The dictator's sadism led him to order the torture of political prisoners.
    • Her sadism showed in how she laughed at her classmates' failures.
    • The novel explores the sadism of power and the abuse of authority.