incestuous

[ in-ses-choo-uhs ]

adjective

1. involving incest.
2. guilty of incest.
3. being so close or intimate as to prevent proper functioning:

   an incestuous relationship between organized crime and government.

incestuous

/ ɪnˈsɛstjʊəs /

adjective

1. relating to or involving incest

   an incestuous union

2. guilty of incest
3. obsolete.
   resulting from incest

   an incestuous bastard

4. resembling incest in excessive or claustrophobic intimacy

Derived Forms

• inˈcestuously, adverb
• inˈcestuousness, noun

Other Words From

• in·cestu·ous·ly adverb
• in·cestu·ous·ness noun
• nonin·cestu·ous adjective
• nonin·cestu·ous·ly adverb
• nonin·cestu·ous·ness noun
• unin·cestu·ous adjective
• unin·cestu·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incestuous¹

1525–35; < Late Latin incestuōsus, equivalent to Latin incestu- stem of incestus incest + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

"Monsters" sparked outrage amongst many viewers after its debut for an incestuous subplot.

From Salon

However, as the reviews of "Monsters" begin to pour in, some viewers have hit out at its portrayal of Erik and Lyle — namely, its suggestion that the brothers had some sort of incestuous relationship.

From Salon

Pollsters and our national press—incestuous in their relationships—will never recover from the shock of so egregiously missing the 2016 grassroots appeal of Trump.

From Salon

But those local prosecutors can have “politically incestuous” relationships with sheriffs, creating pressure to overlook allegations, said Chris Toth, the former executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General.

From New York Times

She had a difficult childhood, and was the victim of incestuous abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carnal