antisocial personality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium in general use; Medium to High in clinical/psychological contexts.Formal, Academic, Clinical. It is a technical term in psychology and psychiatry.
Quick answer
What does “antisocial personality” mean?
A formal psychological term for a specific personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, often manifested through deceit, manipulation, and lack of empathy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal psychological term for a specific personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, often manifested through deceit, manipulation, and lack of empathy.
The term can be used more loosely in non-clinical contexts to describe a person who is chronically hostile, manipulative, or indifferent to social norms and the well-being of others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In clinical settings, the term is largely identical. In informal speech, British English might more readily use 'antisocial' to describe minor public nuisance behaviour (e.g., 'antisocial behaviour orders'). American English reserves the full term more strictly for the personality disorder.
Connotations
Both carry a strong negative, pathological connotation. In the US, it is strongly associated with criminality and psychopathy in the public mind.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American clinical and forensic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “antisocial personality” in a Sentence
be diagnosed with an antisocial personalityexhibit features of an antisocial personalityan individual with an antisocial personalityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antisocial personality” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His antisocial personality traits were evident from a young age.
American English
- The assessment focused on antisocial personality features.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/risk management contexts discussing potentially dangerous employees: 'The background check suggested traits consistent with an antisocial personality.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in psychology, psychiatry, criminology, and social work research: 'The study correlated early childhood trauma with the development of an antisocial personality.'
Everyday
Rarely used correctly. Often misused to mean 'unsociable'. Correct use: 'The prosecutor argued the defendant's actions revealed an antisocial personality.'
Technical
Precise diagnostic term. Refers to Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) as defined in the DSM-5 or ICD-11.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antisocial personality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antisocial personality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antisocial personality”
- Using it to describe someone who is shy or introverted. Confusing it with 'asocial'. Using it as a casual insult without understanding its clinical severity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Introversion relates to gaining energy from solitude. An antisocial personality is a clinical disorder involving harm to others, deceit, and a lack of conscience.
It is considered a chronic and difficult-to-treat disorder. Management often focuses on behaviour control and risk reduction rather than a 'cure'.
Psychopathy is a more severe and specific construct, often seen as a subset of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Not everyone with ASPD is a psychopath, but psychopaths typically meet ASPD criteria.
Calling someone 'antisocial' casually (meaning unsociable) is mildly negative. However, accusing someone of having an 'antisocial personality' is a very serious clinical accusation and should be avoided in non-professional contexts.
A formal psychological term for a specific personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, often manifested through deceit, manipulation, and lack of empathy.
Antisocial personality is usually formal, academic, clinical. it is a technical term in psychology and psychiatry. in register.
Antisocial personality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.tiˈsəʊ.ʃəl ˌpɜː.sənˈæl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.taɪˈsoʊ.ʃəl ˌpɝː.sənˈæl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ANTI-SOCIAL: against (anti) the rules and bonds of society (social). It's a personality that operates against the social contract.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND AS A BROKEN MACHINE (lacking empathy/conscience modules); A PREDATOR IN HUMAN FORM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'antisocial personality' used most precisely?