Psychopathic Meaning
/ˈsaɪkoʊˌpæθɪk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjExhibiting the behaviors and personality traits of a psychopath.
nounA psychopath.
Sentence Examples
Hypocrisy is a revolting, psychopathic state.
Layla, Sami, and Salima were three psychopathic killers.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminal's ____ traits made him incapable of feeling any empathy toward others.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The forensic psychologist described the defendant's behavior as consistent with a ____ personality.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Ancient Greek ψῡχή (psūkhḗ) Ancient Greek ψῡχο- (psūkho-)der. English psycho- Ancient Greek πάσχω (páskhō)der. Ancient Greek πᾰ́θος (pắthos) Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English -pathic English psychopathic From psycho- + -pathic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[T]he psychopathic temperament, whatever be the intellect with which it finds itself paired, often brings with it ardor and excitability of character."
— 1902, William James, “Lecture I”, in The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature […] , New York, N.Y.; London: Longmans, Green, and Co. […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminal's ____ traits made him incapable of feeling any empathy toward others.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The forensic psychologist described the defendant's behavior as consistent with a ____ personality.