{"id":38516,"date":"2019-05-29T09:11:58","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T09:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=38516"},"modified":"2026-03-19T09:14:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T09:14:09","slug":"malignant-narcissist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/malignant-narcissist\/","title":{"rendered":"Malignant Narcissist: Definition, Signs & How to Deal With Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"All<\/p>\n

It is indeed difficult for anyone to deal with a self-obsessed person in life. They think highly of themselves and treat others badly. They lack empathy and want to rule others, in every way possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Narcissism has been in existence for ages, but it is only recently we are seeing more of it. Thanks to the awareness and platforms that provide us with all the possible traits of a narcissist.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are various kinds of narcissists, amongst them, malignant narcissist, by far, is the most damaging.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s look at the malignant narcissist definition and learn how we can identify them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>25 Tips for How to Deal With a Narcissist<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/span>What is a malignant narcissist?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Medically, a malignant narcissist is suffering from a psychological syndrome wherein there is a deadly mix of antisocial behavior,<\/strong><\/span> narcissism<\/a>, sadism, and aggression.<\/strong><\/p>\n
People suffering from this syndrome tend to have a darker side to their narcissism.<\/strong> They want to literally control everyone in their life. They lack empathy and have a poor sense of self.<\/span><\/p>\n
They’re sadist, antisocial and often have paranoia.<\/span><\/p>\n
Malignant narcissists are very manipulative and won’t care if they’re hurting people on their way. For them, the world is either black or white which means they either see people as their friend or enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n
Also, winning is far more important for them than anything else, even if they’re damaging people around them in their desire to win the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n
When it comes to narcissistic personality disorder, they can go to any measure to safeguard themselves from any loss.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>Signs You’re in a Relationship with Someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/span>15 traits of a malignant narcissist<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"How<\/p>\n
One must identify a malignant female or male narcissist so that they can find a way to deal with them.<\/span><\/p>\n
Let’s have a look at some of the prominent signs of a malignant narcissist to understand them better.<\/span><\/p>\n
1. Exaggerated self-importance<\/b><\/h3>\n
Confidence is a must, but only if this is kept within limits. Overconfidence is treated as a negative trait.<\/span><\/p>\n
This is what happens with malignant narcissists. They don’t care if they’ve achievements supporting their confidence, but all they want is to be superior to the people around them.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>10 Ways to Know Your Self-worth in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. Extremely manipulative<\/b><\/h3>\n
Narcissists are manipulative, to a certain degree.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n
However, in the case of malignant narcissists, they’re extremely manipulative. They want to take advantage of each and every situation, without caring about<\/span> others’ emotional pain<\/span><\/a> or status at that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n
Often, they just don’t wait for things to happen. If they see, they’ve to create a certain environment to benefit from it, they would do it without hesitation. Besides, they get a sense of satisfaction by manipulating others<\/a> and putting them in a painful situations.<\/span><\/p>\n
According to <\/span>Grady Shumway<\/span><\/a>, a licensed mental health counselor:<\/span><\/p>\n
Their manipulation is often calculated, as they exploit vulnerabilities to maintain control and dominance.<\/span><\/p>\n
This relentless need for power can leave others feeling used and emotionally drained, reinforcing the toxic dynamic in relationships with malignant narcissists.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
3. Antisocial<\/b><\/h3>\n
As said earlier, that malignant narcissist is extremely damaging. They’re antisocial and can also be termed <\/span>malignant narcissist sociopaths<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n
They<\/span> are pathological liars<\/span><\/a>, would steal or cheat, and may have volatile moods. They’re always up for an argument or a fight with anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n
Toxic narcissists are destructive in nature.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n
Also Try: <\/i><\/b>Antisocial Personality Disorder Test<\/span><\/i><\/pre>\n
4. Paranoia<\/b><\/h3>\n
The malignant narcissist just can’t trust anyone. They always doubt every individual they come across.<\/span><\/p>\n
Often, excessive paranoia leads to a state where they find threats from everyone. They’re more interested in what others are doing or planning than actually focusing on their own life.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. Attention seeking<\/b><\/h3>\n
Whilst most narcissists would seek attention to a certain level and mostly positive attention, malignant narcissists would not mind having negative attention, as long as they’re getting everyone’s attention. For this, even if they have to be a villain in someone’s life, they won’t mind it at all.<\/span><\/p>\n
Attention is the most important thing for them, positive or negative, it doesn’t matter.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n
6. They tend to lie<\/b><\/h3>\n
They display immense confidence and want others to treat them as their superior. In order to achieve this, they won’t shy away from telling lies<\/a> or falsifying their past achievements. They can make up stories just to remain at the top of the pedestal.<\/span><\/p>\n
7. They want control over people<\/b><\/h3>\n
This is the result of self-reflection. Since they manipulate others to get their things done, they believe others want to dictate them. So, they want to control their victims as much as they can.<\/span><\/p>\n
Grady Shumway, LMHC further shares:<\/p>\n
Their desire for control stems from a deep-seated fear of losing power, leading them to impose their will on others.<\/p>\n
This controlling behavior often manifests in various aspects of their relationships, creating an environment of dependency and submission.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
8. They hold grudges<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Young<\/p>\n
If someone hurts them, malignant sociopaths don’t forget the hurt and insult. They will bear it in their heart and will plan on taking revenge. They simply cannot let go. <\/span><\/p>\n
9. They find pleasure in other’s suffering<\/b><\/h3>\n
Malignant narcissists are selfish and will not be a part of your joys. However, they will find pleasure in your suffering or going through some distressing situation. They might even mock or laugh at you and poke fun just to derive some sadistic pleasure.  <\/span><\/p>\n
10. They don’t accept their fault<\/b><\/h3>\n
They have the tendency to hide the truth and become defensive when someone points out their fault. They will never accept their mistake and instead, become enraged and rather shift the blame on someone else.<\/span><\/p>\n
11. They have many rivals<\/b><\/h3>\n
Malignant narcissists have a lot of enemies because of their personality disorder, thereby, their behavior makes them intolerable. They easily get hurt and hurt people intentionally which does not help them build fruitful relationships and makes them earn many enemies.<\/span><\/p>\n
12. Concerned about their appearance<\/b><\/h3>\n
They are very particular about their looks and seek validation. You will always find them drowned in materialistic pleasures because that is their armor against the world. <\/span><\/p>\n
13. Hidden insecurity<\/b><\/h3>\n
Malignant narcissists have many insecurities within but they will never reveal them. They will wear the mask and appear tough. They will also be destroying relationships and hurting people as a way to protect themselves from losing control.<\/span><\/p>\n
Check out the signs that suggest a narcissist’s deep insecurity:<\/span><\/p>\n