Origin: Greek suffix -philia
Zoophilia has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
a sexual attraction to animals
"Zoophilia is defined as a sexual attraction to animals, not merely their companionship or care."
Human sexual attraction toward or sexual interaction with animals.
"Zoophilia is a term used to describe human sexual attraction toward or sexual interaction with animals."
In plain English: Zoophilia is when someone has sexual feelings for animals instead of other people.
"Zoophilia is an illegal act that involves sexual contact with animals and should never be tolerated in society."
Usage: Zoophilia refers specifically to human sexual activity involving non-human animals, distinct from general affectionate behavior toward pets. This term is often confused with bestiality in casual conversation but technically encompasses both the act and the paraphilic attraction itself.
The word zoophilia combines the Greek prefix zoo- meaning "animal" with -philia meaning "love." It entered English as a direct formation from these two ancient roots to describe an attraction toward animals.