Definition

A condition where a person has unusual sexual interests that are often considered socially unacceptable or extreme.

Example

His therapist explained that paraphilia can involve a range of atypical sexual behaviors.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term paraphilia?

Yeah, I think it refers to unusual sexual interests, right?

Exactly! Some people have very specific preferences that can be quite surprising.

It's interesting how diverse human sexuality can be, but it can also be a bit concerning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paraphilia is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or beyond) and "philia" (from Greek "philia", meaning love or affection). The term describes a condition characterized by atypical sexual interests that exist alongside or beyond conventional sexual attractions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'para-' meaning 'beside' or 'beyond' and 'philia' meaning 'love' — this helps you remember that paraphilia refers to love or attraction that goes beyond typical interests.

Visually Confused Words