adjective

bestial

Relating to sexual acts between humans and animals.

The legal text discusses prohibitions against bestial sexual acts.

Etymology

The root names an animal or beast. This specialized use applies the adjective to sexual activity involving an animal, rather than to animal characteristics generally.

More examples

The court reviews a statute concerning bestial conduct.
The researcher distinguishes bestial acts from other criminal offenses.
The chapter examines historical laws on bestial relations.

Forms

bestiality noun — Sexual activity between humans and animals.

Similar words

zoophilic: Can describe sexual attraction rather than the acts themselves.