psychopathy

noun

psy·​chop·​a·​thy sī-ˈkä-pə-thē How to pronounce psychopathy (audio)
plural psychopathies
: mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies

Examples of psychopathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025 These images were created by blending the faces of real people who had scored very high or very low on traits like psychopathy, narcissism, or agreeableness. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 The Illusion Of Empathy And The Reality Of Data Processing One of the defining traits often associated with psychopathy is a superficial charm or the ability to mimic emotions without genuine feeling. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 She was obsessed with willpower, seemed to view psychopathy as liberational and aspirational, and claimed mind control. Aja Romano, Vox, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychopathy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychopathy was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Psychopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychopathy. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

psychopathy

noun
psy·​chop·​a·​thy sī-ˈkäp-ə-thē How to pronounce psychopathy (audio)
plural psychopathies
1
: mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and criminal tendencies
2
especially formerly : antisocial personality
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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