adultery
UK: əˈdʌlt(ə)ri | US: əˈdʌltəri
n. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse
The word traces back to Latin adulterium, combining ad- (toward) and alter (other), reflecting the idea of "turning to another" outside marriage. Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote marital infidelity, retaining its moral connotation of corruption. The suffix -ery generalizes the act into a recognizable social or legal concept.
In many cultures, adultery was historically punishable by law.
The novel explores the emotional consequences of adultery.
Religious texts often condemn adultery as a moral failing.
She filed for divorce after discovering her husband’s adultery.
The scandal revealed a pattern of adultery among public figures.