lecherous

American  

[lech-er-uhs] / ˈlɛtʃ ər əs /

adjective

1. given to or characterized by lechery; lustful.

2. erotically suggestive; inciting to lust.

   lecherous photographs.

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lecherous British  

/ ˈlɛtʃərəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or inciting lechery

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Other Word Forms

• lecherously adverb
• lecherousness noun
• unlecherous adjective
• unlecherously adverb
• unlecherousness noun

Etymology

Origin of lecherous

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English word from Middle French word lechereus. See lecher, -ous

Example Sentences

Simon Fraser is lecherous and mean-spirited, but he’s no Black Jack Randall.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Everybody has in the back of their mind the idea of fauns as lecherous forest creatures or fairies as deceitful shape-shifters.

From The Verge • Sep. 10, 2019

Even if his protagonists aren’t necessarily likable, he’s gifted at making them seem human — whether it’s a lecherous Southern California newscaster or the Mr. Burns of real-life political memory.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2018

Some, however, are concerned that the Weinstein saga is unfairly tarring men with the same brush of scandal — that those who might be considered merely lecherous are being conflated with predators.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2017

Then the Lord’s servant The mighty hand-maiden, was mindful in all things 75 How she most easily from the evil contriver His life might snatch ere the lecherous deceiver, The creature crime-laden awoke.

From Old English Poems Translated into the Original Meter Together with Short Selections from Old English Prose by Various