sodomite

The word 'sodomite' originates from the biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities destroyed for their wickedness as described in the Book of Genesis. The name 'Sodom' entered English through Latin 'Sodoma' and Greek 'Sódoma', derived from the Hebrew 'S'dom'. The Greek-derived suffix '-ite', commonly used to form demonyms (e.g., 'Israelite'), was attached to create a term for an inhabitant of Sodom. Over time, based on traditional interpretations of the biblical story, the meaning shifted from a literal denizen of the city to a person characterized by the specific sexual practices historically attributed to its populace.

Structure: sodom (place name) + ite (person associated with) 'Sodom' is from the Hebrew place name סְדֹם (S'dom), via Latin and Greek, referring to the biblical city. '-ite' is a suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ītes) used to form nouns denoting a person associated with a place, group, or practice.