fornicator
/'fɔ:nikeitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who engages in sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other. This term historically and often carries a strong moral or religious judgment, implying the act is sinful or illicit.
Usage
The word "fornicator" is a formal, dated, and highly judgmental term. It is primarily used in religious, legal (historical), or literary contexts to condemn or describe someone who has committed fornication. It is rarely used in modern, neutral conversation due to its archaic and pejorative nature.
Examples: * The preacher condemned the sinners and fornicators from the pulpit. * In the old law, a fornicator could face severe social ostracism. * The novel's villain was portrayed as a drunkard and a fornicator.
Advanced Usage
- Used as a term of moral accusation: The word is often employed not just as a description but as a direct label of condemnation.
- He was branded a fornicator and driven from the community.
Variants and Related Words
- Fornication (n): The act of sexual intercourse between people not married to each other.
- Fornicate (v): To engage in fornication.
Synonyms
- Adulterer: Specifically refers to a married person who has sex with someone other than their spouse. (Note: "fornicator" can include unmarried individuals).
- Libertine: A person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles or a sense of responsibility, particularly in sexual matters.
- Debaucher: A person given to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
Antonyms
- Chaste person
- Celibate
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To live in fornication: An archaic phrase meaning to cohabit or have a sexual relationship outside of marriage.
- They were accused of living in fornication.
Noun
- someone who commits adultery or fornication