psychopath

noun

psy·​cho·​path ˈsī-kə-ˌpath How to pronounce psychopath (audio)
ˈsī-kō-
: a mentally unstable person
especially : a person having an egocentric and antisocial personality marked by a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies

Examples of psychopath in a Sentence

declared that he was a dangerous psychopath
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first introduced the audience to the cast of the film: Sally Hawkins, playing a kindly foster mother who — as Danny introduced her — might be a psychopath, Billy Barratt and Sora Wong as her two new foster kids, and Jonah Wren Phillips as her younger, troubled foster son. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2025 In separate filings, the defense is also asking the court to limit the use of the words murder, psychopath and sociopath. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025 As villains go, Brody was a teddy bear compared to the gout-stricken, carnal-minded, capricious psychopath Lewis plays here on the English throne. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 Everyone’s favorite serial killer psychopath Joe Goldberg is back for one last killing spree — and maybe, finally, a bit of justice — in the new trailer for the fifth and final season of You, which premieres on April 24 on Netflix. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychopath

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychopath was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Psychopath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychopath. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychopath

noun
psy·​cho·​path ˈsī-kə-ˌpath How to pronounce psychopath (audio)
: a mentally ill or unstable person
especially : one who does not feel guilty about not living up to normal social and moral responsibilities and exhibits a disregard for the feelings and safety of others

Medical Definition

psychopath

noun
psy·​cho·​path ˈsī-kə-ˌpath How to pronounce psychopath (audio)
1
: a person having an egocentric and antisocial personality marked by a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies
2
formerly : a person with antisocial personality disorder

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