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 • Apr. 5, 2025

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

From Reuters • Mar. 18, 2023

“Radicalism flourished in Boston, Bristol, and Bengal, while fears of disorder and licentiousness provoked rural elites in both the Hudson Valley and the English shires,” du Rivage writes.

From The New Yorker • May 8, 2017

Welch is blatant about it, coming down hard and loud in favor of restraint and respect rather than licentiousness.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2010

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 "Emma" by Jane Austen