eroticism

Also er·o·tism

[ih-rot-uh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. the sexual or erotic quality or character of something.

2. the use of sexually arousing or suggestive symbolism, settings, allusions, situations, etc., in art, literature, drama, or the like.

3. the condition of being sexually aroused or excited.

4. sexual drive or tendency.

5. an abnormally persistent sexual drive.

eroticism

/ ɪˈrɒtɪˌsɪzəm, ˈɛrəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. erotic quality or nature

2. the use of sexually arousing or pleasing symbolism in literature or art

3. sexual excitement or desire

4. a tendency to exalt sex

5. psychol an overt display of sexual behaviour

Other Word Forms

• eroticist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eroticism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; erotic + -ism

Example Sentences

These women have long worked in the shadows in China, where homosexuality and eroticism are stigmatised.

From BBC

You are not supposed to take part in that, or have those images in your head, or want eroticism.

From Salon

This altercation is devoid of the playful eroticism their relationship once had.

From Salon

It's very Village People, but without the sense of fun, much less eroticism.

From Salon

“There’s an eroticism, there’s an urgency, there’s mystery, there’s darkness, there’s the edginess, the rebellion,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times