Psychopathy

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /saɪˈkɒpəθi/

Definitions

1. A behavioral condition characterized by a profound lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies, and disregard for societal norms and the welfare of others
2. A mental disorder identified by superficial charm, emotional detachment, and chronic irresponsible conduct, often leading to harmful actions towards others
3. A personality disorder marked by a severe absence of empathy, manipulative behaviors, and a blatant disregard for social rules and the rights of others

Etymology: Psychopathy is built from two Greek elements: "psyche", meaning soul or mind, and "pathos", meaning suffering, feeling or disease, with the combining forms "psycho-" and "-pathy" joined to make a word for a disorder of the mind. The pattern is an old one in medicine, where "-pathy" appears in words for diseases and treatments, and the prefix "psycho-" marks anything concerned with the mind. The sense has narrowed considerably from its roots. Greek "pathos" carried the broad idea of something undergone or endured, so the parts of the word point to suffering in the soul rather than to a specific personality type. Over time the term came to name a condition marked by a lack of empathy and remorse, a meaning that is far more specific than either of its components.

Synonyms: mental illness, antisocial personality disorder