Voyeur: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the French verb 'voir', meaning 'to see'.
• First appeared in English around the 19th century, originally describing someone who observes without being seen.

Psychology

• Studies show that some people may find excitement or arousal from watching others, which can be linked to curiosity about human behavior.
• The phenomenon can be related to ‘masochism’, where pleasure is derived from watching others without them having control over the situation.

Pop Culture

• The term gained notoriety through Alfred Hitchcock's movie 'Rear Window', where a man observes suspicious activities from his apartment.
• In contemporary media, voyeurism is often depicted in reality TV shows where the audience watches people's lives unfold.

Legal Aspects

• Voyeurism can be illegal in many jurisdictions, especially when it involves hidden cameras or private settings where consent is not given.
• Laws vary widely, with some places having stricter penalties for invasion of privacy.

Art and Literature

• Many artists, including photographers, have explored voyeurism as a theme, prompting discussions about privacy and observation.
• In literature, characters who are voyeurs often serve as a device to explore deeper themes of desire, power, and the human condition.

This word's position of #33,311 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33308 unwrapping
• 33309 overreacting
• 33310 amir
• 33311 voyeur
• 33312 sarsaparilla
• 33313 urologist
• 33314 extrude
• ...