Adultery: meaning, definitions and examples
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adultery
[ əˈdʌltəri ]
marital infidelity
Adultery refers to the act of a married person engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse. It is often considered a violation of the marital contract and can lead to significant emotional trauma for all parties involved. In many cultures and legal systems, adultery can have serious consequences, including divorce and social stigma. The term has historically carried a heavy moral burden and is often associated with themes of betrayal and broken trust.
Synonyms
betrayal, cheating, infidelity, unfaithfulness
Examples of usage
- He was accused of adultery after being seen with another woman.
- The couple's marriage ended due to her adultery.
- Adultery is often a topic in literature and films.
Translations
Translations of the word "adultery" in other languages:
🇵🇹 adultério
🇮🇳 व्यभिचार
🇩🇪 Ehebruch
🇮🇩 perzinahan
🇺🇦 перелюб
🇵🇱 cudzołóstwo
🇯🇵 不倫
🇫🇷 adultère
🇪🇸 adulterio
🇹🇷 zina
🇰🇷 간통
🇸🇦 زنا
🇨🇿 cizoložství
🇸🇰 cudzoložstvo
🇨🇳 通奸
🇸🇮 preljub
🇮🇸 hór
🇰🇿 зинақорлық
🇬🇪 უღალტობა
🇦🇿 zina
🇲🇽 adulterio
Etymology
The word 'adultery' originates from the Latin term 'adulterium,' which is derived from 'adulterare,' meaning 'to corrupt' or 'to sully.' It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. In historical contexts, adultery was seen not just as a personal moral failing but as an offense against family and social order, often leading to severe social and legal repercussions. Various religious traditions have also addressed adultery, prescribing different penalties and forms of restitution. Over time, the perception of adultery has evolved, reflecting broader changes in societal norms and attitudes towards marriage, fidelity, and relationships.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,749, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 10746 negotiable
- 10747 drawback
- 10748 minimizing
- 10749 adultery
- 10750 knowledgeable
- 10751 perimeter
- 10752 prerogative
- ...