Meaning of Transvestism | Babel Free

Definitions

1. The condition of being a transvestite.
   uncountable, usually
2. A paraphilia typically found in heterosexual males characterized by compulsively seeking and deriving sexual arousal from cross-dressing, especially if the urges and behavior cause the patient distress or social impairment.
   uncountable, usually
3. sexual mimicry
   dated, uncountable, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“Transexualism. Where the compulsive urge reaches beyond female vestments, and becomes an urge for gender ("sex") change, transvestism becomes "transexualism." The term is misleading; actually, "transgenderism" is meant, because sexuality is not a major factor in primary transvestism. Psychologically, the transexual often differs from the simple cross-dresser; he is conscious at all times of a strong desire to be a woman, and the urge can be truly consuming.”

CEFR level