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Spiritual Meaning:
Sadism appearing in a dream would suggest that it is probably a counterbalance to our conscious way of being in, and dealing with, the world.

Psychological / Emotional Perspective:
It will obviously depend on whether we are being sadistic or if someone is being sadistic towards us as to the interpretation. We know that in dreams other people can represent parts of ourselves, so we need to consider whether we are causing ourselves harm deliberately or inadvertently. We may feel that we wish to punish ourselves for some supposed misdemeanour and, as a displacement activity, we dream of sadistic behaviour. The very fact that it is sadistic may also mean that it is masochistic – that is, self-involved.

Everyday Material Aspects:
Sadism often arises because of anger still held – but suppressed – from childhood hurts. It is the wish to hurt or provoke a reaction – often in someone we love. In waking life most of us are not capable of being sadistic, but in dreams we can do what we like, so sadism becomes acceptable.

Sadistic behaviour that is not sexual in nature signifies a degree of childish cruelty in both men’s and women’s dreams. That cruelty may well be gender specific.