Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction
pedophilia Audio
pe·do·phil·i·a [ ped-uh-fil-ee-uh, pee-duh- ]
Subclass of:
Paraphilias
Etymology:
Greek pais (paido-) = child + philos = fond of + -ia = condition
Also called:
Pedophilic Disorder
Definitions related to pedophilia:
  • A disorder characterized by recurrent sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A sexual disorder occurring in a person 16 years or older and that is recurrent with intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child (generally age 13 or younger). (from APA, DSM-IV, 1994).
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Pedophilic disorder is characterized by recurring, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behavior involving children (usually 13 years old or younger). Pedophiles may be attracted to young boys, young girls, or both, and they may be attracted only to children or to children and adults.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
  • Pedophilia, in conventional usage, a psychosexual disorder, generally affecting adults, characterized by sexual interest in prepubescent children or attempts to engage in sexual acts with prepubescent children. The term was used with that meaning in the psychiatric diagnostic literature prior to...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.