A SADIST is someone who gets pleasure or enjoyment from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. This term is derived from the Marquis de Sade, a French philosopher and writer who wrote extensively about the subject in the 18th century. Sadists often take pleasure in watching or participating in activities that involve cruelty, such as animal abuse or torture. They may also enjoy humiliating or degrading others, either verbally or physically.