
Sadistic
Negative Connotation
The word 'sadistic' has a strong negative connotation and implies extreme cruelty.

The judge condemned the sadistic nature of the crime.
Cultural Sensitivity
Using 'sadistic' inappropriately can offend, so reserve it for clear-cut cases of cruelty.

He wasn't just strict; his sadistic methods terrified us.
Hyperbolic Usage
'Sadistic' is sometimes used hyperbolically to refer to lesser forms of meanness.

Stop being sadistic by hiding my glasses just for fun.
Compare with
BarbaricBrutalCruelInhumanMercilessRuthlessSavageViolent
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension