eroticism

American  

[ih-rot-uh-siz-uhm] / ɪˈrɒt əˌsɪz əm /

Also erotism

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.

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eroticism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• eroticist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of eroticism

First recorded in 1880–85; erotic + -ism

Example Sentences

While many in the ace community are sex-positive without necessarily wanting to have sex themselves, sometimes queerness gets reduced to an eroticism that leaves out ace identities, she said.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2024

As Marina Warner wrote in her book Stranger Magic, “Galland transformed his sources, his fluent prose adding politesse and polish. … He expurgated the eroticism that heightens many passages in the original.”

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2019

Seemingly uncomplicated and improvisational, the works set off startling strings of associations and meaning, tearing through references to race, gender, eroticism, art, fashion, culture and history like crashing dominoes.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2017

But Dalí's interests went beyond eroticism and the human form, straying into memory, religion and even the world of science.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2017

The lights were on, as usual, since Serena Joy always avoided anything that would have created an aura of romance or eroticism, however slight: overhead lights, harsh despite the canopy.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood