fornicator
UK[ˈfɔː.nɪ.keɪ.tər]US[ˈfɔːr.nɪ.keɪ.t̬ɚ]
n
A person who has sexual intercourse outside of marriage, especially someone who does so habitually.
Morpheme Breakdown
fornic
ator
fornic
arch
ator
agent noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'fornicator' originates from the Late Latin fornicator, derived from the verb fornicari meaning 'to commit fornication'. This verb, in turn, comes from the Latin noun fornix, which primarily meant 'an arch, vault, or cellar'. In ancient Rome, such underground vaults and arches were often used as cheap lodgings and brothels. Through this association of place with activity, the meaning of fornix semantically shifted to denote a brothel itself. Consequently, the agent noun 'fornicator' evolved to literally mean 'a person who frequents a brothel' or 'one who engages in the activity associated with a fornix', solidifying into its modern abstract meaning of a person who engages in illicit sexual intercourse.
Analysis
Structure: fornic (arch) + ator (agent noun suffix)
fornic: From Latin fornix (arch, vault, brothel). In this word, it carries the sense of a brothel or illicit sexual activity.
ator: A Latin agent noun suffix (equivalent to -er in English), indicating a person who performs the action.
Examples
The moralist pamphlet condemned the fornicator and the drunkard with equal fervor.
In the old tale, the repentant fornicator sought forgiveness for his past sins.
The law, in that historical period, sought to publicly shame the convicted fornicator.