incestuous

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   involving or characterized by sexual relations between people too closely related to marry legally

   The tragedy centers on an incestuous relationship within the royal family.

2. 2
   adj

   figuratively, excessively close and exclusive, especially in a group whose members repeatedly favor one another

   Critics described the industry's incestuous hiring network as hostile to outsiders.

From incest + -ous, modeled on Latin incestuosus, 'unchaste, incestuous,' from incestus, 'unchaste' or 'impure.' The figurative sense extends prohibited familial intimacy to a closed social or professional circle that excludes outside influence.

Topics