noun
adultery
uh-DUHL-tuh-ree
noun
1
Sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
"He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings."
"Adultery remains grounds for divorce in many jurisdictions."
How to Use Adultery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheating on your husband or wife.
Common mistake
Not related in origin to the word "adult," even though it looks similar.
Common pairings
commit adultery
accused of adultery
Word Forms
adulteries plural
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He was accused of _____ during the divorce proceedings.
Etymology
From Old French adultere, from Latin adulterium, from adulterare ("to corrupt, defile"). Despite the visual similarity, it is not related to "adult."