Adultery/əˈdʌltəri/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Marital Betrayal Adultery implies a serious betrayal in a marriage that can damage trust. When she discovered the adultery, she felt her trust had been shattered. Pro Tip 2/3Legal Relevance Adultery could have legal consequences in divorce proceedings. The judge considered the adultery when dividing the couple's assets. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Variance Perceptions of adultery vary greatly across different cultures and societies. In some cultures, adultery is not only a sin but also a crime.