noun
- a psychiatric disorder characterized by sexual attraction to children
Usage: clinical/medical term; also spelled pedophilia in U.S. English; serious and harmful condition
Examples
- Paedophilia is recognized as a serious mental health disorder by psychiatric professionals.
- Treatment programs for individuals with paedophilia aim to prevent harm to children.
- Laws in most countries strictly prohibit any sexual contact with children, reflecting society's response to paedophilia.
- Mental health professionals study paedophilia to better understand and manage this disorder.
- Child protection agencies work to identify and prevent abuse related to paedophilia.