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Bestiality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
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bestiality

[หŒbษ›s.tiหˆรฆl.ษช.ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sexual act

Bestiality refers to sexual acts performed between a human and an animal. This practice is considered illegal or immoral in many societies due to ethical concerns regarding consent and animal welfare. The act may involve various forms of physical intimacy or sexual gratification. It raises significant legal and philosophical questions, especially surrounding the rights of animals and the implications of human behaviors. Bestiality is often addressed in animal cruelty laws.

Synonyms

anthropozoology, zoophilia.

Examples of usage

  • The community condemned acts of bestiality.
  • Legal consequences exist for involvement in bestiality.
  • Bestiality is widely regarded as unethical.
  • There are laws against bestiality in many countries.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Status

  • In many countries, engaging in such actions is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
  • Some cultures view this behavior not only as illegal but also as a moral failing.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Engaging in such actions may be a sign of deeper psychological issues, requiring professional help.
  • Research suggests that individuals involved in these activities often harbor other atypical or harmful behaviors.

Animal Welfare

  • Such activities are harmful to animals, often inflicting trauma and distress on them.
  • Animal rights organizations advocate strongly against this, promoting laws that protect animals from exploitation.

Cultural Depictions

  • The topic has been addressed in literature and media, often highlighting societal taboos and moral dilemmas.
  • Artistic expressions sometimes use this theme to provoke thought about humanity's relationship with the animal kingdom.

Ethical Considerations

  • Ethically, many argue that consent is a fundamental issue, as animals cannot provide informed consent.
  • This subject raises important discussions about the responsibilities humans have towards other species.

Origin of 'bestiality'

The term 'bestiality' derives from the Latin word 'bestialis', meaning 'of beasts', combined with the suffix '-ity', which denotes a quality or condition. The word gained prominence in the late 14th century, reflecting societal attitudes toward human-animal relationships. Historically, bestiality has been recorded in various cultures; however, it has often been accompanied by strict taboos and legal prohibitions. Philosophical debates surrounding the morality of such acts can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where the rights of animals and human responsibilities were hotly contested. In modern times, increased awareness of animal rights has led to stricter legislation and societal rejection of bestiality, framing it within discussions of consent, ethics, and animal welfare.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,775 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.