incest
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnsˈɛst/
US
- /ˈɪnˌsɛst/
Description
- sexual relations within a close family
- sex between close relatives
- taboo act
- abusive family relationship
This word refers to sexual activity between people who are closely related, such as a parent and child, brother and sister, or other close family members. In most societies, it is seen as deeply wrong and is often illegal. The idea is not only about sex between relatives. It also raises serious concerns about broken family boundaries, abuse, and harm to vulnerable people.
Incest is sexual activity between people who are closely related, usually by blood, and sometimes by family ties defined by law or custom. The exact meaning can vary across cultures and legal systems, but it usually includes relationships such as parent and child, brother and sister, grandparent and grandchild, or aunt or uncle with a niece or nephew. It is widely treated as a serious taboo and is often against the law.
Historically, most societies have forbidden it, not only because of possible genetic risks in children, but also because it can damage family roles, trust, and safety. In many real cases, there is a strong imbalance of age, power, or dependence, which means the relationship may involve coercion, abuse, or lasting emotional harm, especially when a child is involved.
The word is mainly used for actual sexual acts between close relatives. People sometimes use related expressions for unhealthy emotional closeness in a family, but that is not the main meaning of this word. It is also important to note that when one person is underage, pressured, or unable to give real consent, the situation is abusive.
The effects can be severe, including trauma, shame, fear, depression, anxiety, and difficulty building healthy relationships later in life. Because of that, the word often appears in discussions of abuse, law, psychology, and family harm. It is a serious term and is usually used in contexts that stress protection, accountability, and support for survivors.
Examples
- 1
Literature
The novel shocked many readers because it included a story about incest.
- 2
Social taboo
In many societies, incest is considered a serious taboo.
Pattern
considered a taboo
seen as strongly unacceptable
- 3
Legal charges
The police brought incest charges against the two adults.
Meaning
charges
formal accusations in court
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- incestnoun