Psychopath
/ˈsaɪ.kə.pæθ/noun
A person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior.
Did you know?The prefix 'psycho-' comes from the Greek word for 'soul' or 'mind', linking the concept of madness to the very essence of one's being.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ψυχή (psukhē)
“The breath of life or soul, representing the essence of a living being.”
19th Century
French
psychopathe
“A term used to describe someone with a mental disorder affecting their ability to connect with others.”
Early 20th Century
English
psychopath
“A clinical term denoting a person with a personality disorder characterized by antisocial behavior.”
Modern English
English
psychopath
“Now used broadly to describe individuals exhibiting extreme antisocial behavior, often with a lack of empathy.”
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