fornicare

Fornicare is a Latin verb that translates to "to commit fornication." In historical and religious contexts, fornication refers to sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other. This definition has been applied in various legal and moral frameworks throughout history.

The term originates from the Roman goddess Fortuna, the goddess of luck and fortune, though the precise etymology connecting her to illicit sexual relations is not entirely clear. It is sometimes suggested that it may have related to the idea of casual or unattached relationships, or perhaps to the "fortune" or "luck" involved in such encounters.

Historically, many societies and religious traditions have condemned fornication, viewing it as immoral or sinful. Laws and social norms often distinguished between sexual acts within marriage and those outside of it, with consequences varying widely based on cultural and religious beliefs. In some legal systems, fornication was a criminal offense, although this is less common in modern Western legal traditions.

In contemporary usage, the term "fornication" is less frequently used in everyday language, often replaced by more direct terms for sexual activity. However, it persists in some legal statutes, particularly in parts of the United States, and remains a relevant term in theological and historical discussions.