sodom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Theological, Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “sodom” mean?
A city in the biblical narrative, traditionally associated with extreme wickedness and sexual immorality, especially homosexual acts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A city in the biblical narrative, traditionally associated with extreme wickedness and sexual immorality, especially homosexual acts.
Any place or situation characterized by extreme vice, corruption, or depravity; used metaphorically to denote a state of moral chaos.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core usage. Both varieties use it primarily in religious, historical, or figurative contexts.
Connotations
Universally carries strong negative, judgmental, and often homophobic connotations due to its biblical association.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Slightly more likely to appear in religious discourse or classical literature references.
Grammar
How to Use “sodom” in a Sentence
[Place] is a modern Sodom.They fled the city like Lot fleeing Sodom.The preacher condemned the town as a new Sodom.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sodom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tabloids accused him of attempting to sodomise a fellow inmate.
- The ancient texts speak of cities that were sodomised by invading armies.
American English
- The charge was that he had sodomized the victim.
- Critics argued the new policy would sodomize the economic principles of the nation.
adverb
British English
- Not standard usage; no common examples.
American English
- Not standard usage; no common examples.
adjective
British English
- He was convicted of sodomitical acts.
- The pamphlet described the club's sodomite culture in lurid detail.
American English
- The old law prohibited sodomitical behavior.
- They faced accusations of leading a sodomite lifestyle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, literary, or cultural studies discussing the biblical narrative or its metaphorical legacy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it is a severe insult or hyperbolic criticism of a place's morality.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sodom”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'a messy place'. Incorrect: 'My teenager's bedroom is a total sodom.' Correct metaphorical use: 'The corrupt governor turned the port into a sodom of smuggling and vice.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. It is primarily found in religious contexts, historical discussions, or as a severe literary metaphor.
'Sodom' is the proper noun referring to the biblical city. 'Sodomy' is a noun derived from it, referring to certain sexual acts, particularly anal intercourse, often in a legal or archaic context.
Almost never. Its connotations are overwhelmingly negative and judgmental, rooted in a narrative of divine punishment for sin.
Because it is a highly charged term with strong religious and pejorative connotations, often perceived as homophobic. Its use can cause serious offense outside of specific academic or theological discussions.
A city in the biblical narrative, traditionally associated with extreme wickedness and sexual immorality, especially homosexual acts.
Sodom is usually formal, literary, theological, pejorative in register.
Sodom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɒd.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɑː.dəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sodom and Gomorrah (used together to signify utter destruction due to wickedness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SODA' with an 'M' – a city so corrupt it was destroyed, leaving no trace but a pillar of salt, not a fizzy drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CITY IS A MORAL BEING (that can be wicked and punished).
Practice
Quiz
In modern figurative use, calling a place 'a Sodom' primarily implies it is: