schadenfreude

noun

scha·​den·​freu·​de ˈshä-dᵊn-ˌfrȯi-də How to pronounce schadenfreude (audio)
often capitalized
: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others

Did you know?

Schadenfreude is a combination of the German nouns Schaden, meaning "damage" or "harm," and Freude, meaning "joy." So it makes sense that schadenfreude means joy over some harm or misfortune suffered by another.

Examples of schadenfreude in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was dragged through the mud in a case of collective media schadenfreude. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 While this week’s Thursday night game might not put either team close to the top of their league, there’s certainly the chance for schadenfreude. Chris Morris, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 This feeling is called schadenfreude, and it is often rooted in a sense of superiority over the subject of our ridicule. Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Ironically, the supposedly pro-democracy PDM coalition has thrilled to the schadenfreude of Khan’s destruction by the military. Aqil Shah, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for schadenfreude 

Word History

Etymology

German, from Schaden damage + Freude joy

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of schadenfreude was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Schadenfreude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schadenfreude. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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