paraphilia

[ par-uh-fil-ee-uh ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. a type of mental disorder characterized by a preference for or obsession with unusual sexual practices, as pedophilia, sadomasochism, or exhibitionism.

paraphilia

/ ˌpærəˈfɪlɪə /

noun

1. any abnormal sexual behaviour; sexual anomaly or deviation

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphilia¹

1920–25; para- ¹ + -philia, on the model of paranoia

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphilia¹

C20: from para- ¹+ -philia , from Greek philos loving