What does pederast mean?
A pederast is, in legal, medical, and historical usage, a person who engages in sexual abuse or sexual relations with a boy. The word is specific because it refers particularly to abuse involving male children, whereas “pedophile” is broader and can describe a person attracted to children generally. Although the term once appeared in professional literature and court records, modern discussion generally favors more precise and less stigmatizing expressions such as “child sexual abuser” or “child molester.” It can still appear in historical writing, legal history, and discussions of terminology itself. Its importance is also etymological: the word reflects an older attempt to describe sexual conduct through a specialized medical and legal vocabulary. Because the subject concerns the sexual exploitation of children, the term should be used carefully and never as a casual label for someone whose behavior has not been established.
nounA person who engages in sexual abuse or sexual relations with a boy. The term is a clinical or historical designation and may be considered offensive when used descriptively.
- A person who engages in sexual abuse or sexual relations with a boy.
"The investigation identified him as a pederast responsible for abuse against multiple children."
"The court described the defendant as a pederast who had abused children over many years."
"The word appears in nineteenth-century medical and legal texts discussing sexual offenses against boys."
The standard plural is “pederasts.”
"The authorities identified several pederasts operating within the community."
Once used mainly in legal and medical writing, “pederast” is now largely a historical or clinical term and is often replaced by more specific modern language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pederast come from?
The word comes through French and Latin from the Greek paiderastēs, a compound formed from pais, meaning “boy,” and erastēs, meaning “lover.” Its English use developed in medical and legal contexts concerned with sexual abuse and sexual relations involving boys. The related English forms “pederasty” and “paederasty,” as well as “pedophile,” reflect the same broad Greek vocabulary concerning children and sexual attraction.
Related word forms
How pederast is actually used
The term is chiefly historical, clinical, or legal. In contemporary public discussion, “child sexual abuser” or “child molester” is usually preferred, depending on the context.
Easily confused with pederast
A pedophile is someone with a sexual preference or attraction to children, whereas a pederast more specifically denotes someone who abuses or has sexual relations with a boy.