paedophile

See also: pædophile

English

Etymology

From paedo- +‎ -phile.

Pronunciation

• Audio (UK):

  (file)

• (General Australian, Canada) IPA^(key): /ˈpɛ.dəʉˌfɑɪl/
• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpiː.dəˌfaɪl/

Noun

paedophile (plural paedophiles)

1. Standard spelling of pedophile in the British Commonwealth.
   • 1999 June, “Unesco steps up fight against Internet paedophiles”, in BBC News:

     A "watchtower" Website, keeping track of paedophile groups around the world, is expected to be up and running next year. The campaign will also liaise with law enforcement agencies around the world and share information on suspected Internet paedophiles.

Usage notes

• While "paedophile" is the preferred spelling in the British Commonwealth, "pedo" is often used as a shortened form in some countries where the British spelling is used, such as Australia, though the term "paedo" is used in the United Kingdom.