In early use: emotional attachment to, or love of, animals; opposition to cruelty to animals. Now usually: sexual attraction to, or sexual activity with, animals.
Origin
Mid 19th century. From zoo- + -philism.
Definition of zoophilism in US English:
zoophilism
noun
In early use: emotional attachment to, or love of, animals; opposition to cruelty to animals. Now usually: sexual attraction to, or sexual activity with, animals.