spineless sadism

Noun

 * 1)  One of the four subtypes of sadistic personality disorder as defined by the American psychiatrist . Includes features of avoidant personality disorder

Usage notes

 * Sadistic personality disorder was introduced in DSM-III-R and removed in DSM-IV. personality disorder not otherwise specified may be used instead.
 * These subtypes are not recognized by the DSM-5 or ICD-10.
 * Any individual with sadistic personality disorder may exhibit either one of the four somewhat different subtypes.