adultery

[ uh-duhl-tuh-ree ]

noun

, plural a·dul·ter·ies.

1. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their lawful spouse.

adultery

/ əˈdʌltərɪ /

noun

1. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and a partner other than the legal spouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of adultery¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English adulterie, from Latin adulterium, equivalent to adulter ( adulterer ) + -ium -ium; replacing Middle English a(d)voutri(e), from Old French avout(e)rie

Word History and Origins

Origin of adultery¹

C15: adulterie, altered (as if directly from Latin adulterium ) from C14 avoutrie, via Old French from Latin adulterium, from adulter, back formation from adulterāre. See adulterate

Example Sentences

Fault-based divorce, on the other hand, requires the partner seeking the divorce to provide evidence of their spouse's wrongdoing on specific grounds that also vary state-to-state, including cruelty, adultery, intemperance and abandonment.

From Salon

“It’s about marriage, adultery and regular church attendance,” she whispered, clearly pleased with her pithy elevator pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

“How could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven? That would be adultery,” Ethel told friends who suggested she marry again, People magazine reported in 1991.

From Los Angeles Times

It is generally more accepted among Shiites, who say the Prophet Mohammad condoned the practice, which originated in the days before Islam as a way for male travelers who were already married to have sex without committing adultery.

From Los Angeles Times

But adultery may soon be legal in the Empire State thanks to a bill that would finally repeal the 1907 law that is punishable by up to three months behind bars.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infidelity