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incest

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪnsˈɛst/

US

  • /ˈɪnˌsɛst/

Description

This word refers to sexual activity between people who are closely related, such as a parent and child, brother and sister, or other close family members. In most societies, it is seen as deeply wrong and is often illegal. The idea is not only about sex between relatives. It also raises serious concerns about broken family boundaries, abuse, and harm to vulnerable people.

Examples

  1. 1

    Literature

    The novel shocked many readers because it included a story about incest.

  2. 2

    Social taboo

    In many societies, incest is considered a serious taboo.

    • Pattern

      considered a taboo

      seen as strongly unacceptable

  3. 3

    Legal charges

    The police brought incest charges against the two adults.

    • Meaning

      charges

      formal accusations in court

See also

nounsexual relations between close relatives

Similar

  • sexual relations between close relatives
  • intrafamilial sexual relations

Shades of meaning

  • intrafamilial sexual abuse

Contrast

  • unrelated partners
  • exogamy

Used with (collocations)

  • incest taboo
  • incest laws
  • accusations of incest

Word family

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Forms and spellings

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Main spelling

  • incestnoun