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

Derived Forms

• eroticist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of eroticism

First recorded in 1880–85; erotic + -ism