Dissocial

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /dɪˈsəʊʃəl/

Definitions

1. Characterized by a lack of concern for social norms, rules, or the feelings and rights of others
2. Marked by an absence of social awareness and empathy, indicating a tendency to disregard societal norms and the emotional well-being of other individuals
3. Defined by a distinct unresponsiveness to social expectations and a lack of consideration for others’ feelings and rights, often leading to maladaptive interpersonal relations

Etymology: "Dissocial" is a simple formation: the prefix "dis-", meaning "apart" or "opposite of", attached to "social." The prefix comes from Latin "dis-," which carried the sense of separation or reversal, as in "dislike" or "disjoin." Attaching it to "social" produces a word meaning, in effect, not social or opposed to social life. The word's sense is narrower than its parts suggest. Where "unsocial" might describe someone who simply prefers solitude, "dissocial" points to a more active lack of concern for others, the sense of a person who runs against the norms that bind a community together. The meaning is therefore less about shyness or withdrawal and more about a disregard for other people's feelings and for shared rules.

Synonyms: antisocial, asocial

Antonyms: social, friendly