What is adultery
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- Legally recognized grounds for divorce in most jurisdictions around the world
- Considered a breach of the marital contract and violation of trust between spouses
- Some countries and regions still impose criminal penalties or fines for adultery
- Can have significant emotional, financial, and social consequences for all parties involved
- Different from other forms of infidelity such as emotional affairs or romantic attachments
Definition
Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their lawful spouse. It represents a breach of the marital commitment and is widely recognized as a form of infidelity across cultures and religions.
Legal Status
In most Western countries, adultery is recognized as grounds for divorce and may affect division of assets and custody arrangements. However, many jurisdictions have moved toward no-fault divorce laws. Conversely, some countries and regions, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa, still maintain criminal penalties for adultery, which can include fines, imprisonment, or corporal punishment.
Historical and Cultural Context
Adultery has been condemned across most human civilizations for centuries. Religious texts including the Bible, Quran, and other scriptures address adultery as a moral transgression. Historical consequences were often severe, ranging from public shaming to execution. In modern times, cultural attitudes toward adultery vary significantly by region and community.
Emotional and Social Consequences
Beyond legal implications, adultery typically causes profound emotional damage to spouses and families. It often results in broken trust, trauma, relationship dissolution, and impacts on children. The social stigma associated with adultery varies across different societies and time periods.
Related Issues
Adultery differs from other relationship violations like emotional affairs, which involve romantic or emotional connection without physical intimacy. Some legal systems and relationship therapists distinguish between these categories when addressing relationship infractions and counseling.
Related Questions
What is the difference between adultery and infidelity?
Adultery specifically refers to sexual relations outside marriage, while infidelity is a broader term encompassing emotional affairs and other breaches of trust. All adultery is infidelity, but not all infidelity involves adultery.
Is adultery still illegal in any countries?
Yes, adultery remains illegal in approximately 50 countries, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Criminal penalties vary from fines to imprisonment, and in some jurisdictions, more severe punishments may apply.
Can adultery affect divorce settlements?
In fault-based divorce systems, adultery can influence alimony, asset division, and custody decisions. However, in no-fault divorce jurisdictions, marital misconduct typically does not affect legal outcomes.
Sources
- Wikipedia - Adultery CC-BY-SA-4.0