What does sodomized mean?
“Sodomized” is the past participle of “sodomize,” a verb meaning to subject someone to anal sexual intercourse without consent. Because it names a severe form of sexual violence, it is offensive in general use and should be reserved for accurate, serious contexts, such as legal proceedings, survivor accounts, or historical reporting. The word can also be used figuratively to suggest that something has been degraded, humiliated, or ruined in a brutal way, though this extension is relatively uncommon. Its striking history comes from Sodom, the ancient city associated in the Bible with sexual immorality and destruction. The term is more explicit and confrontational than many general descriptions of abuse, so writers often use less graphic language when precision is not required.
Subjected to anal sexual intercourse without consent.
"The testimony described how the detainee had been sodomized."
A highly sensitive and often legally significant term; use only when the specific act is relevant and supported.
Degraded, humiliated, or ruined in a particularly brutal or corrupting way.
"The campaign claimed that the organization had been sodomized by years of misconduct."
Figurative and uncommon; strongly offensive and emotionally charged.
The word derives from Sodom, the ancient city whose biblical story became a symbol of sexual immorality and severe punishment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sodomized come from?
The word comes from the English form of the place name Sodom, which was known in biblical traditions for sexual immorality and divine punishment. English inherited the name through Latin and Greek references, and “sodomize” developed in the early modern period as a term for the sexual act associated with the story. Modern uses retain both the literal meaning and the figurative sense of extreme degradation or moral corruption.
Related word forms
How sodomized is actually used
In its literal sense, this is a highly offensive and emotionally charged term, and the accusation carries major legal and social implications. Its figurative use is uncommon and usually more rhetorical than descriptive.