Definition

Noun: - A sexual attraction to animals: This term refers to a paraphilia characterized by persistent and intense sexual interest in, or arousal by, animals. It is also known as bestiality in a behavioral context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The psychologist's case study focused on a patient with zoophilism.
  • Zoophilism is classified as a paraphilic disorder in some diagnostic manuals.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Diagnostic Context: The term is primarily used in psychiatric, psychological, or sexological literature to describe a specific paraphilia.
  • The research paper examined the etiology and treatment options for zoophilism.

Variants and Related Words

• Zoophilia (n): Often used interchangeably with "zoophilism" to denote the sexual attraction itself.
• Bestiality (n): Typically refers to the act of sexual activity between a human and an animal, whereas "zoophilism" specifically denotes the attraction or interest.

Synonyms

• Bestiality (when referring to the attraction, though it more commonly denotes the act)
• Zooerastia (a less common technical synonym)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a very specific and clinical meaning. It is not used in everyday conversation and carries significant social and legal stigma. The related term "bestiality" is more widely recognized but usually refers to the sexual act rather than the attraction.

Noun

1. a sexual attraction to animals