voyeurism

American  

[vwah-yur-iz-uhm, voi-, voi-uh-riz-] / vwɑˈyɜr ɪz əm, vɔɪ-, ˈvɔɪ əˌrɪz- /

noun

1. the practice of obtaining sexual gratification by looking at sexual objects or acts, especially secretively.

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voyeurism Cultural  

1. Deriving sexual satisfaction by secretly watching others undress or engage in sexual activity. (See peeping Tom.)

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Etymology

Origin of voyeurism

voyeur + -ism

Explanation

Voyeurism is a strange type of behavior in which someone gets turned on by watching other people, especially in sexual situations. There are a lot of odd people in the world, including those who have an extreme, often sexual interest in watching other people — who may or may not be having sex. These voyeurs get off more on watching than doing. Some people might volunteer to be watched, but other times voyeurism involves someone watching another person without their knowledge. This is illegal and very creepy.

Example Sentences

He could be prosecuted for violations of federal criminal law, but the only closely applicable law—the Video Voyeurism Act of 2004—only covers the nonconsensual disclosure of nude images that were taken on federal property.

From Forbes • Sep. 3, 2014

Voyeurism spiked, page views skyrocketed, and Myspace engineers raced to keep up with the growth.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 23, 2011

Related Words

• surveillance