gloat

This term carries a strong negative connotation of arrogance and lack of empathy. It describes a specific type of pleasure derived not just from success, but from the perceived inferiority or failure of another person. The emotional state is one of smugness, where the individual lingers on their victory to maximize the psychological impact on the loser.

In a visual sense, the word evokes an image of a triumphant gaze or a lingering look of satisfaction. While similar to "rejoice," gloating is distinct because it is inherently self-centered and often malicious, whereas rejoicing can be a pure expression of joy without the need for a victim.