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