philander

[ fi-lan-der ]
See synonyms for philander on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object)
  1. (especially of a man) to have many casual sexual encounters or affairs, especially when married or in a committed relationship.

Origin of philander

1
First recorded in 1675–85; from Greek phílandros “one who loves” (of a woman, loving her husband); see philo-, andro-; later used in fiction as a proper name for a lover, and apparently mistaken as “a man who loves”

Other words for philander

Other words from philander

  • phi·lan·der·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use philander in a sentence

  • He philandered marvelously, indefatigably, and this, too, cost him.

    Two Flawed Jewish Geniuses | Richard Cohen | October 1, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • The unhealthy intoxication caught and held him; he danced and philandered with an abandon foreign to his nature.

    Mountain | Clement Wood
  • To Kenelm's ardour she responded readily; and he philandered about her for a year or two.

  • He was essentially manly in all respects: so manly, that many frail souls of either sex philandered about his over-robustness.

    Life of Robert Browning | William Sharp
  • Her maiden fancy was speedily captured, and for a season they danced together, philandered, and sauntered in the park.

    The Bishop's Apron | W. Somerset Maugham

British Dictionary definitions for philander

philander

/ (fɪˈlændə) /


verb
  1. (intr often foll by with) (of a man) to flirt with women

Origin of philander

1
C17: from Greek philandros fond of men, from philos loving + anēr man; used as a name for a lover in literary works

Derived forms of philander

  • philanderer, noun
  • philandering, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012