Pederasty: meaning, definitions and examples

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pederasty

 

[ ˈpɛdəˌræsti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sexual practice

Pederasty is a historical practice where an adult male engages in a sexual relationship with a younger boy, typically a pubescent or adolescent male. This relationship is often characterized by a pedagogical aspect, with the older male serving as a mentor or guide. It has been present in various cultures throughout history but is often regarded negatively in modern societies due to ethical and legal considerations.

Synonyms

boy-love, pedophilia

Examples of usage

  • In ancient Greece, pederasty was commonly accepted in some city-states.
  • Many historical texts discuss the practices and implications of pederasty.
  • Contemporary views on pederasty heavily criticize its inherent power imbalances.
  • Sociologists often study pederasty in the context of sexual orientation development.

Translations

Translations of the word "pederasty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pederastia

🇮🇳 पेडेरास्टि

🇩🇪 Päderastie

🇮🇩 pederasti

🇺🇦 педерастія

🇵🇱 pederastia

🇯🇵 ペデラスティ

🇫🇷 pédérastie

🇪🇸 pederastia

🇹🇷 pederastlık

🇰🇷 페데라스티

🇸🇦 البيدراستية

🇨🇿 pederastie

🇸🇰 pederastia

🇨🇳 恋童癖

🇸🇮 pederastija

🇮🇸 pederastía

🇰🇿 педофилия

🇬🇪 პედერასტია

🇦🇿 pederastiya

🇲🇽 pederastia

Word origin

The term 'pederasty' originates from the Greek words 'paidos' meaning 'boy' and 'erastēs' meaning 'lover.' This practice was prominent in ancient Greece, where it involved youth education, mentorship, and often sexual relationships that were culturally accepted under certain constraints. The concept evolved through different periods and societies, reflecting varying moral standards. In modern times, pederasty is frequently conflated with pedophilia, leading to significant legal and social ramifications. Discourse on pederasty has shifted dramatically, and it is now widely criticized, underpinned by calls for children's rights and advocacy against exploitation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,987, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.