concupiscent

American  

[kon-kyoo-pi-suhnt, kong-] / kɒnˈkyu pɪ sənt, kɒŋ- /

adjective

1. lustful or sensual.

   Today's woman is no longer just the plaything of the concupiscent male.

2. eagerly desirous.

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Etymology

Origin of concupiscent

First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin concupiscent- (stem of concupiscēns, present participle of concupiscere “to conceive an ardent desire for”), equivalent to concupere “to desire greatly” (equivalent of con- intensive prefix + cupere “to desire”) + -escent inchoative suffix; see con-, -escent

Explanation

The word concupiscent describes a feeling of intense, powerful desire or yearning for someone or something. This formal word, which means passionate or lustful, comes from the Latin concupere, "to be very desirous of," and its root, cupere, "to long for." Historically, the word was used in theological contexts when referring to worldly human appetites and desires. In literature, it might refer to characters experiencing an all-consuming, urgent desire for each other — think Romeo and Juliet. But someone could have a concupiscent drive or desire for success, money, or even knowledge.