incestuously
Between close relatives
Incestuously describes something done in the manner of incest—sexual relations between close family members.
More commonly, the word appears figuratively to describe relationships that are improperly close or insular: The industry operates incestuously, with the same executives rotating through competing firms.
The figurative use suggests unhealthy interdependence or lack of outside influence.
Narrow in outlook
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
- self-referentialAlluding to itself
- inward-lookingFocused on oneself
- clubbySocially exclusive, insider-oriented
nepotistic · cronyism · old-boy network · revolving door · echo chamber · groupthink · self-dealing · cozy
Not allowed
- illicitProhibited by law
- transgressiveViolating accepted boundaries
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- sinfulViolating moral law
shameful · scandalous · unspeakable · secretive · hidden · closeted · repressed · stigmatized
Boundary-blurring relational pattern
- kinshipState of being related
- bloodlineAncestry through generations
- consanguinityRelatedness through shared ancestry
- relativesThose connected by blood
siblings · family ties · clan · dynasty · lineage · generational · hereditary · domestic
Abnormal or unhealthy operation
- boundariesLines marking separation
- codependencyExcessive emotional reliance on another
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
grooming · coercion · power dynamics · victimization · manipulation · secrecy · shame · repression
insular
Narrow in outlook
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
- self-referentialAlluding to itself
- inward-lookingFocused on oneself
clubby · nepotistic · cronyism · old-boy network · revolving door · echo chamber · groupthink · self-dealing · cozy · entangled
forbidden
Not allowed
- illicitProhibited by law
- transgressiveViolating accepted boundaries
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
sinful · shameful · scandalous · unspeakable · secretive · hidden · closeted · repressed · stigmatized · unmentionable
enmeshment
Boundary-blurring relational pattern
- kinshipState of being related
- bloodlineAncestry through generations
- consanguinityRelatedness through shared ancestry
relatives · siblings · family ties · clan · dynasty · lineage · generational · hereditary · domestic · household
dysfunction
Abnormal or unhealthy operation
- boundariesLines marking separation
- codependencyExcessive emotional reliance on another
- traumaLasting psychological wound
abuse · grooming · coercion · power dynamics · victimization · manipulation · secrecy · shame · repression · denial
incestuouslyopenly
Without hiding anything
transparently · independently · outwardly · externally · diversely