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What is the difference between a masochist and a sadist?

One likes to feel pain. The other likes to cause pain.

A masochist is a person who takes pleasure in their own pain and suffering. Someone who derives sexual gratification from being subjected to physical pain or humiliation is also called a masochist. A sadist is a person who takes pleasure in inflicting pain, punishment, or humiliation on others.

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Popular

Commonly Confused

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'Capitol' or 'Capital'?

'Demur' and 'Demure': Not to be Confused

'Lose' or 'loose'?

See All

Grammar & Usage

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

Active vs. Passive Voice: What's the difference?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

See All

Wordplay

1,400 New Words and Definitions Added to Merriam-Webster.com

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

See All
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