Lecherous: meaning, definitions and examples

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lecherous

 

[ˈlɛtʃərəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sexual behavior

Lecherous describes a person who is overly indulgent in sexual activity or has an excessive desire for sexual pleasure. This term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of moral restraint or respect for the feelings of others.

Synonyms

debauched, lascivious, libidinous, licentious, salacious.

Examples of usage

  • His lecherous gaze made her uncomfortable.
  • The lecherous behavior of the character added a dark twist to the story.
  • She found his lecherous comments deeply offensive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originated from the Latin word 'licentia,' meaning excess or indulgence-free will.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to describe someone overly eager regarding sexual desires.

Literature

  • The word often appears in classic literature to illustrate characters lacking morals or respect.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters displaying lecherous traits often serve as antagonists, highlighting societal norms.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies depict lecherous characters as comic relief or villains, reinforcing negative stereotypes around overly aggressive desires.
  • In various songs, the term may be used to describe flirtatious behavior, sometimes glossing over the negative implications.

Psychology

  • Psychologists might examine lecherous behavior as a form of sexual aggression, potentially linked to personality disorders.
  • At times, societal pressures can contribute to lecherous conduct, often examined in studies on sexual ethics.

History

  • Historical documents from the Victorian era often referenced lecherous people as warnings against immorality.
  • The Age of Enlightenment saw discussions around the nature of desire, with some works labeling excessive lust as debauchery.

Translations

Translations of the word "lecherous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 libidinoso

🇮🇳 कामुक

🇩🇪 lüstern

🇮🇩 berahi

🇺🇦 розпусний

🇵🇱 lubieżny

🇯🇵 淫蕩な

🇫🇷 lubrique

🇪🇸 lascivo

🇹🇷 şehvetli

🇰🇷 음탕한

🇸🇦 فاخر

🇨🇿 smyslný

🇸🇰 smyselný

🇨🇳 淫荡的

🇸🇮 razuzdan

🇮🇸 sinnulegur

🇰🇿 құмар

🇬🇪 სექსუალური

🇦🇿 şehvətli

🇲🇽 lascivo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,630 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.