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.

---

voyeurism Cultural  

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

---

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

See Examples For:

voyeurism

Such discussions helped establish the difference between witnessing as a matter of civic responsibility and leering voyeurism.

From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2026

Mr. Rachel’s detailed juxtaposition of this voyeurism with the vile historical facts exposes the young musicians’ ignorance and crassness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 25, 2026

“Talk shows are in the middle of the voyeurism spectrum — too curated by time, pacing and commercial interruptions to feel really intimate and too restrained to be thrilling.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2026

It is not a crime to film in public spaces but a lawyer specialising in image-based abuse said these types of videos fall into a legally "grey area" and could break harassment and voyeurism laws.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026

Luxon, along with other political leaders, have signalled an openness to changing privacy laws to better protect targets of voyeurism.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2025

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• surveillance

---