what is the definition of a sociopath?

Answer 1

I worked many years in an official capacity with sociopaths, so my answer comes from experience.

Sociopaths have no conscience, nothing inside them that really cares for anyone or anything outside themselves. If you praised one, for example, he would question your motives for giving the praise, wondering, "What is he or she trying to get from me?" They would do this because that's how they would think, themselves.

They are the absolute center of their little universe. Everything and everyone exists to be used by them. They truly feel, "The world is my oyster."

Sociopaths tend TO APPEAR TO BE FRIENDLY AND CHARMING at times. But when they are, they're on the hunt for something out of their prey. They have no conscience whatever, and a real sociopath has no feelings of empathy toward anyone. As an example, a sociopath can rob and then beat somebody up, maybe even kill the person, and he'll say, "Nothing personal. I just need your money." They don't connect to anybody's feelings or pain or pleasure. They are the supreme users on this planet. That is also why some sociopaths go in to politics: it's power over others for their own gain, and they can be so very charming that people would want to vote for them. But inside, they are absolutely empty. Nobody is at home.

They look upon the world as though everything that exists is for the taking. "If I want it, I make sure I get it."

They will always be seeking a vulnerability you may have, so they can use it against you, later, if they feel the need to. The saying, "He stepped over bodies to get that job" applies to sociopaths.

Have you seen the movie, 'The Bad Seed'? Or read the book by the same name? That is an interesting example of the sociopathic personaliy. If you haven't seen it or read it, please do. It will make a lot things clear.

Another great study in the sociopathic character is the high school student in the movie, "Apt Pupil".

And don't overlook, Matt Damon as Tom Ripley in the movie, "The Talented Mr. Ripley". This is a classic example of a sociopath on the hunt.

I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Sociopath/Psychopath... Lacking conscience. They lack the normal cues one has for guilt, responsibility, accountability.
They are defined medically as one with "cortical immaturity", meaning that they have not developed normally brain wise.

Where normal individuals feel guilt, responsibility, sadness, etc... The sociopath/psychopath only ACTS this way as learned through socialization. They are afflicted with the inability to FEEL these emotions.

Most people unfortunate enough to encounter these individuals have engrossing tales of betrayal, double lives, etc. The sad stories they leave in their wake is unimaginable, however most are lucky to have escaped with their lives as MANY serial killers/rapists/offenders have been classified or diagnosed as a sociopath/psychopath.
Robert Hare has a psychopathy checklist available for more information.
PCL Checklist.. www.hare.org

Answer 3

One who is affected with a personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior.Antisocial Personality Disorder is also known as psychopathy or
sociopathy. Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the
feeling and welfare of others. As a clinical diagnosis it is usually
limited to those over age 18. It can be diagnosed in younger people
if the they commit isolated antisocial acts and do not show signs of
another mental disorder.
Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, beginning in adolescence
and continuing throughout adulthood. There are ten general
symptoms:
not learning from experience
no sense of responsibility
inability to form meaningful relationships
inability to control impulses
lack of moral sense
chronically antisocial behavior
no change in behavior after punishment
emotional immaturity
lack of guilt
self-centeredness

Answer 4

sociopath
A noun
1 sociopath, psychopath

someone with a sociopathic personality; a person with an antisocial personality disorder (`psychopath' was once widely used but has now been superseded by `sociopath')

Answer 5

A SOCIOPATH IS THE LAYMAN'S term FOR A sufferer OF ANTI-SOCIAL character disease. SOCIOPATHY IS characterised by way of A push aside FOR THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. in accordance to the latest version OF THE DSM, it is user-friendly to basically BE clinically determined AS A SOCIOPATH in the event that they in fantastic condition THE SOCIOPATHY checklist (which consists of a push aside OF SOCIAL NORMS, IMPULSIVENESS, air of secrecy, AND A **** TON of different characteristics THAT i can't keep in mind yet you're able to look IT UP), the guy IS a minimum of 18 YEARS OF AGE, there is habit disease beforehand of THE AGE OF 15, AND SOCIOPATHY isn't brought about by way of A psychological ailment (OCD, MANIC EPISODES, etc.)

Answer 6

A person devoid of any continence. The guy who will cheat you because he can get away with it, and/or thinks such behavior is amusing.

Example the blond haired villian in the movie View to a Kill

Eample Bill Clinton

Answer 7

One who is affected with a personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior.

Answer 8

a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

Answer 9

Well, another term to describe a sociopath is a solipsist...

Answer 10

a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience