Philander
/fɪˈlæn.dər/noun
To pursue romantic or sexual relationships casually or unfaithfully.
Did you know?Philander began as a proper name in the 17th century, and only later became a verb for love-wandering behavior, likely influenced by Greek-derived elements meaning “loving men” or “loving mankind.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phílos
“dear, loving, fond of”
Ancient Greek
Greek
anḗr / andr-
“man, male”
17th Century
English
Philander
“a literary male given name, often used for a lover in poetry and drama”
18th Century
English
philander
“to court or flirt with women”
Modern English
English
philander
“to engage in casual or unfaithful romantic relationships”
Explore more surprising origins