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