ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sodomy

n.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈsɑdəmi// UK //sˈɒdəmi// sodomy

n. a very formal and old-fashioned word for a sexual act that is considered illegal or immoral by some people. It is rarely used in modern conversation.

n. a sexual act involving the anal orifice, historically considered a crime in many legal systems. Often used in legal or religious contexts to describe specific prohibited sexual behaviors.


SIMPLE

The law once punished sodomy with heavy fines.

CONTEXTUAL

The historical debate over sodomy laws often focuses on the balance between personal freedom and public morality.

COMPLEX

Legal scholars argue that the decriminalization of sodomy represents a significant shift toward recognizing the rights of individuals to engage in private consensual acts without state interference.

Synonyms
Origin

From Sodom, where the Bible, in Genesis chapters 18 and 19 and elsewhere, suggests sexual depravity.

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