1. A psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent, intense sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors involving unusual objects, situations, or individuals.
Usage: clinical/medical term; often used in psychology and psychiatry

Examples

• The psychologist explained that paraphilia is diagnosed when sexual interests cause distress or harm.
• Treatment for paraphilia may involve therapy and medication.
• Paraphilia is classified in the DSM-5 as a mental health condition.
• Mental health professionals distinguish between paraphilic interests and paraphilic disorders.
• Research on paraphilia has expanded understanding of sexual psychology.