cohabitation

Definition

An emotional and physical intimate relationship which includes a common living place and which exists without legal or religious sanction.

Etymology

From Middle English cohabitacioun, from Old French cohabitacion and Late Latin cohabitātiō. By surface analysis, co- + habitation.

Example Sentences

• "According to Greene, sodomy, gross indecency, adultery, cohabitation and repeated convictions for indecent exposure are all considered sex offenses in Michigan."
• "Commentators agreed that Mr Chirac's unusually aggressive remarks, followed by the equally fierce response of Mr Jospin's government, signalled the beginning of the end for the tense but so far civil "cohabitation" under which the two men have ruled France since 1997."
• "She said: “I am respectful of institutions; I am not calling for institutional chaos. There will simply be a cohabitation.”"