fornicate

/'fɔ:nikeit/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To engage in consensual sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Usage
  • The verb "fornicate" is used to describe the act of sexual intercourse specifically outside of marriage. It is a formal, often legal or religious term, and can carry a strong moral or judgmental connotation. It is typically used in third-person descriptions or accusations.
Examples
  • Verb:
    • The religious text forbids adherents to fornicate.
    • In some jurisdictions, laws against fornication are no longer enforced.
Advanced Usage
  • "to fornicate with someone": This is the standard construction to specify the other participant.
    • He was accused of fornicating with a minor, which is a separate legal offense.
Variants and Related Words
  • Fornication (n): The act or instance of engaging in fornication.
    • Fornication was considered a sin in the community.
  • Fornicator (n): A person who fornicates.
    • The sermon condemned the fornicators.
Synonyms
  • Have illicit sex: A more descriptive phrase with a similar judgmental tone.
  • Commit adultery: Specifically refers to sex where at least one participant is married to someone else (a related but distinct concept).
Antonyms
  • Abstain: To refrain from sexual activity.
  • Remain chaste: To maintain sexual purity, often until marriage.
Verb
  1. have sex without being married