licentiousness

American  

[lahy-sen-shuhs-nis] / laɪˈsɛn ʃəs nɪs /

noun

1. a throwing off of sexual restraint; lewd character or behavior.

   The Hays Code tried to stamp out all lust and licentiousness in American film.

2. wanton disregard or transgression of laws, rules, or moral norms.

   Freedom entails responsibilities, or else it degenerates into licentiousness.

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Other Word Forms

• nonlicentiousness noun
• overlicentiousness noun
• unlicentiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of licentiousness

licentious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Rather, it denotes licentiousness and lack of control, the actions of a toddler gorging himself on chocolate until he is sick.

From Salon

And at least one regulator has taken notice of chatbot licentiousness.

From Reuters

Let me not suppose that she dares go about, Emma Woodhouse-ing me!—But upon my honour, there seems no limits to the licentiousness of that woman’s tongue!”

From Literature

In the speech, Barr described a political philosophy driven by the need to counter an “individual rapacity” in humans that quickly produces “licentiousness” and the destruction of “healthy community life” if not restrained.

From The Guardian

Freedom without responsibility no longer is freedom, it is a kind of licentiousness that is socially as well as personally damaging.

From Salon