pédophile

paedophile

noun peh-doh-FEEL Rare

Origin: Greek 'paido-' (child) + 'philos' (loving).

Usage Note

Pédophile is the standard clinical and legal term in French for a person who is sexually attracted to children. The related noun pédophilie (f) denotes the condition. In legal contexts, abus sexuel sur mineur is used for the criminal act. The word carries no ambiguity in French and is used in journalism, law, and psychology.

Examples

"Le tribunal a condamné le pédophile à dix ans de prison."

Natural Translation

The court sentenced the paedophile to ten years in prison.

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