What does antisocial mean?
"Antisocial" is an adjective describing behaviour that runs contrary to the norms and welfare of society, particularly conduct that disregards or harms other people — such as vandalism, persistent noise, or deceit. In clinical psychology it takes on a precise technical meaning, central to the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a pattern of chronic disregard for others' rights. The word also has a milder, everyday sense: being unwilling to mix socially, as when someone declines invitations and keeps to themselves. This dual usage means context matters greatly — calling a friend "antisocial" for skipping a party is playful hyperbole, whereas labelling an act of vandalism antisocial is a genuine moral condemnation. Derived from Latin roots via French, the word entered English in the early seventeenth century and remains widely used in law, psychology, and casual conversation alike.
Contrary to the laws and customs of society, especially in a way that disregards or harms other people.
"The council received dozens of complaints about the tenants' antisocial behaviour."
This sense dominates formal, legal, and psychological contexts.
Unwilling or unable to mix socially with others; avoiding company.
"She's been rather antisocial lately, staying home with a book instead of coming out."
Informal and often used lightheartedly; some style guides prefer "asocial" or "unsociable" here.
In Britain, "antisocial" became so serious a problem that the government gave it its own legal acronym — the ASBO, or Anti-Social Behaviour Order.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antisocial
"Antisocial" derives from the Latin root "socius", meaning companion or ally, which also gives us "social", "society", and "associate". The word was formed by attaching the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" (against) to "social", entering English usage in the early seventeenth century. Its development mirrors that of related terms such as "antisemitic" and "antibiotic", all built on the same productive prefix.
How antisocial is actually used
The word carries strongly negative connotations in its first sense, often implying selfishness or even criminality; in psychology, "antisocial" has a technical meaning tied to antisocial personality disorder, marked by disregard for others' rights. In everyday informal use, the second sense (avoiding company) is common and milder, though some prefer "asocial" or "unsociable" for mere shyness to avoid implying harmful conduct.
Easily confused with antisocial
"Asocial" means simply indifferent to or avoiding social interaction, while "antisocial" implies active disregard for or hostility toward societal norms and other people's rights.