having an affair
Betraying one's partner
Having an affair describes being in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse or committed partner.
The phrase implies secrecy and betrayal of trust, distinguishing it from openly non-monogamous arrangements.
Affairs may be purely physical, purely emotional, or both.
She suspected her husband was having an affair with his coworker.
The duration can range from a single encounter to years of double life.
- adulterousUnfaithful to spouse
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- cheating spouseUnfaithful marriage partner
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- divorceLegal end of matrimony
promiscuous · lover · extramarital · secret lover · clandestine · double life · mistress · other woman · unfaithfulness · tryst · philandering · cuckold · guilt · secrecy · betrayal · broken vows · liaison · hotel room
having an affairfidelity
Loyalty or exactness
marital fidelity · faithfulness · loyalty · monogamy · keeping the faith