titillation

American  

[tit-l-ey-shuhn] / ˌtɪt lˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of pleasantly exciting or arousing the senses, emotions, or imagination, often in a sexually suggestive way.

   We strongly condemn journalists who rely on sensationalism and titillation to sell newspapers.

   Elevating the soul through masterful titillation of the senses is what real cooking is all about.

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Etymology

Origin of titillation

First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin titillātiōn-, stem of titillātiō, equivalent to tītillāt(us) + -iō -ion ( def. ); see titillate ( def. )

Example Sentences

These patchwork visions have a restrained, contemplative air that carefully weighs the seriousness of their themes without ever dipping into melodrama or titillation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

He remembers being disturbed by the way adults around him discussed the 1973 film, with a mix of disgust and titillation, like a ghost story.

From New York Times • Feb. 3, 2024

But unlike that movie, which wobbled uncomfortably between titillation and moral panic, Bravo’s version of King’s story is sure-footed, her vision clear-eyed and genuinely risk-taking.

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2021

Shepperd’s actions triggered conflicting feelings: titillation, shame, guilt, fear and confusion.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2021

When an image changes place in the idea, it produces a titillation equal to that which would be produced in the order of material things.

From Delsarte System of Oratory by Various