revenge porn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighFormal, legal, journalistic, technical
Quick answer
What does “revenge porn” mean?
The non-consensual sharing or distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of a person, typically by a former partner, with the intent to cause humiliation, distress, or harm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The non-consensual sharing or distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of a person, typically by a former partner, with the intent to cause humiliation, distress, or harm.
A form of cyber harassment and image-based sexual abuse that constitutes a serious crime and violation of privacy in many jurisdictions. It can refer to the act itself, the media shared, or the broader phenomenon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in meaning and spelling. Legal terminology may vary (e.g., 'image-based sexual abuse' as a broader official term).
Connotations
Equally negative and serious in both varieties, carrying strong legal and social stigma.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in news media and legal discourse in both regions, given it's a modern, globally recognized term.
Grammar
How to Use “revenge porn” in a Sentence
[Person/Entity] distributes revenge porn of [Victim]To be a victim of revenge pornLaws criminalising revenge pornVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revenge porn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ex-boyfriend threatened to revenge porn her, a serious criminal offence.
American English
- (Note: Not standardly used as a verb. The verbal concept is 'to distribute revenge porn' or 'to post revenge porn'.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- She sought help from a revenge porn helpline.
- The new revenge porn legislation came into force.
American English
- He faced revenge porn charges in several states.
- The survivor led a revenge porn law reform campaign.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR policies concerning online misconduct or cybersecurity firms.
Academic
Common in legal, criminology, gender studies, and media studies journals.
Everyday
Used in news reports and serious discussions about online safety and relationships.
Technical
Used precisely in legal statutes, law enforcement reports, and digital forensics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revenge porn”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revenge porn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revenge porn”
- Using it to refer to consensual adult content with revenge themes. Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'He revenge porned her'). Treating it as a trivial issue rather than a serious crime.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. The term is used broadly for non-consensual sharing, even if the primary motive is extortion, profit, or mere malice, not strictly 'revenge'.
Yes. While often perpetrated by ex-partners, it can also be done by acquaintances, hackers, or anyone who obtains intimate images without consent.
Do not blame yourself. Document the evidence, report it to the platform hosting the content, contact the police (it is a crime), and seek support from specialist organisations.
No. Sexting is the consensual sending of explicit messages/images. Revenge porn is the non-consensual and malicious dissemination of such content.
The non-consensual sharing or distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of a person, typically by a former partner, with the intent to cause humiliation, distress, or harm.
Revenge porn is usually formal, legal, journalistic, technical in register.
Revenge porn: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɛn(d)ʒ ˌpɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɛndʒ ˌpɔrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Exact idiom not applicable; the term itself functions as a fixed conceptual unit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REVENGE + PORN: Think of a vengeful ex-partner using private 'adult' content as a weapon.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIVACY IS A POSSESSION / BODY IS A BATTLEGROUND. The act metaphorically 'steals' and 'weaponises' a person's intimate image.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'revenge porn'?