What does paedophilic mean?
Paedophilic is an adjective meaning relating to or characterized by a sexual interest in children. It is used in clinical, legal, investigative, and safeguarding contexts to describe sexual conduct directed at children, including behaviour or material that constitutes child sexual abuse. The term is serious and should not be used as a casual insult or as a substitute for a more precise description of conduct. British and Commonwealth usage commonly prefers the spelling paedophilic, while American usage generally uses pedophilic. In definitions and official discussions, related terms such as child sexual abuse may communicate the relevant conduct more directly. The word comes from Greek roots meaning 'child' and 'loving', though its modern meaning is specifically sexual and has no connection with the affectionate sense of 'loving children'.
adjectiveRelating to, showing, or characterized by a sexual interest in children. In legal and clinical contexts, it is used to describe conduct that constitutes child sexual abuse.
- Exhibiting or involving a sexual interest in children.
- Characterized by sexual abuse of children.
"The report described evidence of paedophilic behaviour that had been deliberately concealed."
"Investigators found material that appeared to be paedophilic and alerted the appropriate authorities."
"The witness described the offender's conduct as paedophilic without speculating about his motives."
Paedophilia describes a sexual orientation or conduct directed at children; describing such conduct plainly is important when identifying abuse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paedophilic come from?
Paedophilic combines the combining form paedo-, from Greek pais, meaning 'child', with -philic, from Greek philos, meaning 'loving'. The related noun paedophilia was formed on the same model in the nineteenth century. Related medical words such as paediatric and pediatrics use the same Greek root in the sense of 'pertaining to children'.
How paedophilic is actually used
A clinical, legal, and generally formal term. It should be used for behaviour or conduct rather than casually applied to a person; in many jurisdictions, the term 'child sexual abuse' is preferred when referring to offences.
Easily confused with paedophilic
Paediatric means relating to the medical care of children, whereas paedophilic describes a sexual interest in children.
Pedophilic is the chiefly American spelling of the British term paedophilic.