paedophile (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/pɛ.dəˌfaɪl/

Meaning and Usage

A paedophile (British English) or pedophile (American English) refers to an adult who is sexually attracted to prepubescent children. The term is often used in a serious legal and psychological context and can evoke significant emotional reactions due to the nature of the attraction.

• Frequency of Use: The term is more frequently encountered in written contexts, especially in legal, psychological, and news reports, given its serious implications and the sensitivity surrounding the topic.
• Oral Speech vs. Written Context: It is less common in everyday conversation outside specific discussions about child safety and abuse.

Example Sentences

1. The paedophile was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for his crimes against children.

2. Этот педофил был приговорен к пятнадцати годам тюрьмы за свои преступления против детей.

3. Many countries have strict laws to protect children from paedophiles.

4. Во многих странах существуют строгие законы для защиты детей от педофилов.

5. The community held a meeting to educate parents about the signs of a paedophile.

6. Сообщество провело встречу, чтобы обучить родителей признакам педофила.

Idiomatic Expressions

While “paedophile” itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, it often appears in discussions involving child safety, legal terms, or societal issues concerning abuse. Here are some example sentences that contain related idiomatic or expressive uses regarding child protection:

1. People must keep their eyes peeled for any signs of a paedophile lurking in the neighborhood.

2. Люди должны быть настороже к любым признакам того, что в соседстве может скрываться педофил.

3. It's vital to cast a wide net when investigating a suspected paedophile ring.

4. Важно использовать широкий подход при расследовании подозреваемой сети педофилов.

5. The authorities decided to crack down on paedophiles to ensure children's safety.

6. Власти решили более жестко бороться с педофилами, чтобы обеспечить безопасность детей.

Etymology

The term "paedophile" originates from the following Greek roots: - pais (παις), meaning “child” - philia (φιλία), meaning “love” or “fondness” Thus, "paedophile" literally translates to "lover of children." The term has been used in English since the mid-20th century.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Child molester, child abuser
• Antonyms: Pedophobic (having a fear of children), child protector (someone who ensures children's safety)

This term carries a heavy stigma and is associated with criminal behavior, emphasizing the societal condemnation of such actions and the serious implications for both victims and perpetrators.