voyeurism

American  

[vwah-yur-iz-uhm, voi-, voi-uh-riz-] / vwɑˈjɜr ɪz əm, vɔɪ-, ˈvɔɪ əˌrɪz- /

noun

1. the practice of obtaining sexual gratification by looking at sexual objects or acts, especially secretively.

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voyeurism Cultural  

1. Deriving sexual satisfaction by secretly watching others undress or engage in sexual activity. (See peeping Tom.)

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Etymology

Origin of voyeurism

voyeur + -ism

Explanation

Voyeurism is a strange type of behavior in which someone gets turned on by watching other people, especially in sexual situations. There are a lot of odd people in the world, including those who have an extreme, often sexual interest in watching other people — who may or may not be having sex. These voyeurs get off more on watching than doing. Some people might volunteer to be watched, but other times voyeurism involves someone watching another person without their knowledge. This is illegal and very creepy.

Example Sentences

Her caged parakeet in the upper corner stares back at us, acknowledging our voyeurism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

There is, therefore, a discomfiting sense of voyeurism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The show, imported to the U.S. by Burnett, took the voyeurism of “The Real World” and added an element of Darwinian competition that other shows, including “The Challenge,” immediately tried to replicate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2025

Hwang allows viewers to wonder whether In-ho is simply trying to put himself in his players’ white slip-on Vans as an act of sickly voyeurism, or if he has a larger plan of his own.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2024

Reporting on family feuds or personal problems of private individuals promotes an "unacceptable culture of voyeurism and rumour-mongering", he said.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2024

Related Words

• surveillance