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fornication

fornication

noun for-nee-kah-SYON Rare
People & Society Values

Origin: From Latin fornicatio, from fornix (vault, brothel).

Usage Note

Fornication is a formal or religious term for sexual intercourse outside of marriage; it is rarely used in everyday French, appearing mainly in theological, legal, or ironic contexts. The related verb forniquer exists but is similarly formal or humorous. In casual speech, French uses entirely different vocabulary for this concept.

Examples

"La fornication était sévèrement punie au Moyen Âge."

Natural Translation

Fornication was severely punished in the Middle Ages.

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