Word: Criminal Conversation
Definition:
"Criminal conversation" is a legal term that refers to a situation where one person has sexual relations with someone who is married to another person. This act is seen as a way of disrupting or damaging the marriage. In simpler terms, it is like saying that someone has an affair with a married person, which can lead to problems in that marriage.
Usage Instructions:
This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is mostly found in legal contexts, especially in discussions about divorce and marital disputes.
Example:
"The husband filed a lawsuit against the man for criminal conversation, claiming that the affair caused the breakdown of his marriage."
Advanced Usage:
In legal discussions, "criminal conversation" can be part of a case where one spouse sues the other spouse's lover for damages caused by the affair. It is important to note that while this term is still used in some jurisdictions, it is not as common today because laws and societal views on adultery have changed.
Word Variants:
- Criminal (adjective): Related to crime or illegal actions.
- Conversation (noun): A talk or discussion between two or more people.
(Note: "criminal conversation" together is a specific legal term, not to be confused with its individual words.)
Different Meaning:
The term "conversation" on its own usually means a discussion or talk between people. However, in the context of "criminal conversation," it has a very specific meaning related to extramarital sexual relations.
Synonyms:
- Adultery - Infidelity - Extramarital affair
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that mean "criminal conversation," here are some related phrases: - "Cheating on someone" – This phrase means being unfaithful to a partner. - "Having an affair" – This means having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse.
Summary:
"Criminal conversation" is a legal term referring to extramarital sexual relations that disrupt a marriage. It is used primarily in legal contexts and relates to issues of adultery.