Incest

/ˈɪn.sɛst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

sexual relations between people classed as being too closely related to marry each other.

The law strictly prohibits incest between close relatives.

a specific act of such relations, often resulting in legal consequences.

The scandal revealed an act of incest that shocked the community.

a taboo or socially unacceptable relationship between closely related individuals.

Many cultures have deep-seated beliefs against incest.

From Latin 'incestus', meaning 'unclean, impure', from 'in-' not + 'castus' pure.

incestuous relationship

A sexual relationship between family members.

incest taboo

Cultural norms that prohibit incest.

incest laws

Legal restrictions against incestual relations.

inbreeding

Breeding from closely related individuals.

consanguinity

Blood relationship or relatedness.

kinship

The state of being related to others.

Kissing cousins

Referring to relatives engaging in minor forms of affection, often humorously.

Arkansas marriage

A derogatory phrase implying close family relationships in marriage.