coprophilia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Clinical / Taboo
Quick answer
What does “coprophilia” mean?
A paraphilia involving sexual arousal from feces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A paraphilia involving sexual arousal from feces.
In broader, non-clinical usage, can refer to an unusual or excessive interest in feces or excrement, sometimes used metaphorically for a fascination with offensive or obscene material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is identical in spelling and clinical definition.
Connotations
Universally carries strong negative, pathological, and taboo connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, limited to specialist discourse. Slightly more likely to appear in American psychological literature due to the influence of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Grammar
How to Use “coprophilia” in a Sentence
[Subject] was diagnosed with coprophilia.[Subject] exhibits signs of coprophilia.The psychiatric profile indicated a history of coprophilia.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coprophilia” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coprophilic tendencies were noted in the patient's history.
American English
- The report described coprophilic behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used strictly in clinical psychology, psychiatry, sexology, and forensic science journals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in polite conversation. Would be considered shocking and offensive.
Technical
Core usage context. Appears in diagnostic manuals (e.g., DSM-5), psychiatric assessments, and academic papers on paraphilias.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coprophilia”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coprophilia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coprophilia”
- Confusing it with 'coprophagia' (the act of eating feces).
- Using it in non-clinical contexts as a general insult.
- Misspelling as 'coprophelia' or 'copraphilia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Coprophilia refers to sexual interest. Coprophagia refers to the act of eating feces, which can have various causes (paraphilic, behavioral, medical).
It is strongly advised not to. It is a highly technical, clinical term with taboo subject matter. Its use in general conversation would be inappropriate and offensive.
The direct clinical opposite is coprophobia, which is an irrational fear or aversion to feces.
The primary difference is in the vowel of the first syllable: British English uses the /ɒ/ sound (as in 'lot'), while American English uses the /ɑː/ sound (as in 'father'). The stress pattern (ˌkɒ.prə.ˈfɪl.i.ə) remains the same.
A paraphilia involving sexual arousal from feces.
Coprophilia is usually technical / clinical / taboo in register.
Coprophilia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒprəˈfɪlɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːprəˈfɪliə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COP' (police) + 'RO' (row) + 'PHILIA' (love of) = A love of something that would get you in a row with the cops.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTEREST IS A DISEASE / DEVIATION IS FILTH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coprophilia' most appropriately used?