Nymphomaniac: meaning, definitions and examples

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nymphomaniac

 

[ nɪm.foʊˈmeɪ.ni.æk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sexual behavior

A nymphomaniac is a person, typically a woman, who experiences an excessive or uncontrollable desire for sexual activity. The term is often used pejoratively and can be associated with certain psychological disorders. While it is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis, the word reflects societal attitudes toward female sexuality. It is important to approach the term with caution due to its historical stigma and the potential for misinterpretation of a person’s sexual health.

Synonyms

hypersexual person, sex addict, sexually compulsive individual

Examples of usage

  • She was labeled a nymphomaniac by those who didn't understand her needs.
  • His excessive sexual desires led to speculation about whether he was a nymphomaniac.
  • The film depicted the struggles of a nymphomaniac trying to find love.

Translations

Translations of the word "nymphomaniac" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nymfomaníaca

🇮🇳 निंफोमेनियाक

🇩🇪 Nymphomanin

🇮🇩 ninfomania

🇺🇦 німфоманка

🇵🇱 nymfomanka

🇯🇵 ニンフォマニアック

🇫🇷 nymphomane

🇪🇸 ninfómana

🇹🇷 nymfomaniyak

🇰🇷 님포마니악

🇸🇦 نيمفومانيا

🇨🇿 nymfomanka

🇸🇰 nymfomanka

🇨🇳 性欲过强者

🇸🇮 nymfomanka

🇮🇸 ninfómana

🇰🇿 нимфомания

🇬🇪 ნიმფომანიაკი

🇦🇿 nimfoman

🇲🇽 ninfómana

Etymology

The term 'nymphomaniac' derives from the Greek word 'nymphē', meaning 'bride' or 'young woman', and the suffix '-mania', which comes from the Greek 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'. It first entered the English language in the 19th century, reflecting a historical context in which women's sexual desires were often pathologized. The use of the term has evolved over time, but it has primarily been associated with negative connotations, suggesting that a woman’s passionate interests in sex were not simply a part of her personality but rather a sign of mental illness. The stigma associated with the term has led to significant discussion and critique in modern psychology and gender studies, as it highlights the broader societal issues surrounding female sexuality and autonomy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,556, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.