A sociopath is a person with a personality disorder, particularly Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), characterized by a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. Sociopaths often exhibit a lack of empathy, remorse, or guilt for their actions. They may engage in deceitful behavior, be impulsive, and have difficulty maintaining consistent work and personal relationships.

Sociopaths tend to be superficially charming and can be highly manipulative, using others for personal gain without concern for their well-being. Unlike psychopaths, who are often more calculated and less prone to emotional outbursts, sociopaths can be more erratic, prone to anger, and less capable of planning long-term goals.

The causes of sociopathy are not fully understood but are believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment for sociopathy can be challenging, as individuals with this disorder often do not seek help voluntarily and may resist efforts to change their behavior.