# pedophile

/ˈpɛdəfɪɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pedophile
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

an adult who is sexually attracted to children. This is a very serious and negative word used in legal and social contexts.

For teachers: an adult who experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children. Often carries heavy legal and social stigma; used in both clinical and criminal justice contexts.

## Examples

- The police arrested a suspected pedophile near the school.
- New legislation was introduced to track every convicted pedophile after their release from prison to ensure community safety.
- The documentary explores the psychological profile of the pedophile while simultaneously examining the systemic failures that allow such individuals to remain undetected within youth organizations.

## Usage notes

- The spelling 'pedophile' is standard in American English, while 'paedophile' is used in British English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.