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Frigidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frigidity

[frɪˈdʒɪdəti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sexual health

Frigidity refers to a condition where an individual experiences a lack of sexual desire or arousal. This term has historically been used to describe women who are perceived to have low sexual interest. It can stem from various psychological, emotional, or physical factors, including hormonal imbalances or trauma. Understanding frigidity often requires a sensitive approach that considers the individual's circumstances and feelings.

Synonyms

apathy, asexuality, indifference.

Examples of usage

  • She expressed concern about her frigidity affecting her relationship.
  • Frigidity can be a complex issue that requires professional guidance.
  • Many women face challenges related to frigidity at different stages of life.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotional frigidity can refer to an inability to express feelings or connect with others emotionally.
  • People may experience frigidity as a result of past trauma or stress, impacting their interpersonal relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, characters often labeled as 'frigid' may be portrayed as withdrawn or unapproachable, leading to plot conflicts.
  • Frigidity is sometimes used to describe themes of repression in various art forms, reflecting societal norms around emotions.

Science

  • In meteorology, frigidity can describe extreme cold weather events, analyzed for climate changes.
  • The term is also utilized in discussions of thermodynamics, where 'cold' physical states are studied.

Literature

  • Many classic novels depict characters experiencing frigidity, emphasizing emotional barriers in relationships.
  • Frigid settings in poetry often reflect the internal states of characters, using cold imagery to evoke feelings.

Origin of 'frigidity'

Main points about word origin

  • The roots of the word trace back to the Latin word 'frigidus', meaning cold.
  • In the 19th century, 'frigidity' often referred to both temperature and emotional coldness in literature and discussions.

The term 'frigidity' comes from the Latin word 'frigidus', meaning 'cold'. Originally, the word was associated with physical coldness or a lack of warmth. Over time, it evolved to describe a lack of emotional warmth or sexual desire, particularly in women. The use of 'frigidity' in a sexual context rose in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often reflecting societal attitudes towards female sexuality. It was used within medical and psychological frameworks, sometimes leading to stigmatization and misunderstandings about women's sexual health. In contemporary discourse, the term is increasingly viewed as outdated and problematic, leading to the preference for terms that better encompass the psychological and emotional complexities surrounding sexual desire.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,422 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.