What does paedophile mean?
A paedophile is a person who is sexually attracted to children or engages in child sexual abuse. The term is used in British, American, and other English-language contexts, although “pedophile” is more common in American spelling. It carries a strongly negative and often legal or safeguarding association, and in formal writing “child sexual offender” can be preferable when the emphasis is on behaviour that has been established or alleged. “Paedophile” should not be used loosely for someone whose conduct is merely inappropriate, nor should it be treated as a clinical diagnosis. In reporting, education, law, and child-protection work, the word is associated with serious and closely investigated forms of exploitation, making accurate attribution and careful wording especially important.
nounA person who is sexually attracted to children or who engages in sexual abuse involving children. In formal and legal contexts, the term “child sexual offender” is often preferred.
- A person who is sexually attracted to children or who commits child sexual abuse.
"The investigation concluded that the teacher had abused several pupils and was a convicted paedophile."
"The report described him as a paedophile who had targeted vulnerable children for years."
"Safeguarding rules help institutions identify and report anyone who may be a paedophile."
The regular plural is used for individual people; this term is normally reserved for confirmed or alleged child sexual offenders.
"The investigation identified several paedophiles who had accessed the same online forum."
The word names both an attraction to children and, in legal and social contexts, the serious harm that can result from sexual abuse of children.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paedophile come from?
The word comes from Greek roots meaning “child” and “to love,” reflecting the older idea of love or attraction directed toward children. Its modern sense is associated with the recognition and criminalization of child sexual abuse. The spelling with “ae” is especially common in British English, while “pedophile” is standard in American English.
How paedophile is actually used
This is a strongly negative term and should be used carefully and factually, especially when referring to an identifiable person. In legal, journalistic, and safeguarding contexts, “child sexual offender” may be more precise because it describes conduct rather than implying a diagnosis or a person’s entire identity.
Easily confused with paedophile
“Paedophile” and “pedophile” are spelling variants of the same word; “pedophile” is the more common spelling in American English.