Prurient - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Prurient describes an excessive or unwholesome interest in sexual matters, often in a way that is inappropriate or voyeuristic. It implies a lascivious or morally questionable curiosity.
Definition:
Having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
Synonyms:
Lustful, lewd, salacious, lascivious
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Chaste, pure, modest
Common Collocations:
Prurient interest, prurient thoughts, prurient curiosity
Derivatives:
Prurience, pruriently
Usage Tips:
Use "prurient" to describe inappropriate or excessive focus on sexual content, often with disapproval.
Common Phrases:
Prurient fascination, prurient appeal, prurient imagination
Etymology:
From Latin *prūrient-*, meaning "itching" or "longing," reflecting an obsessive desire.
Examples:
- 1. The tabloid exploited the public's prurient curiosity about the scandal.
- 2. His prurient jokes made everyone uncomfortable at the dinner party.
- 3. The film was criticized for its prurient depiction of relationships.
- 4. She avoided books with prurient themes to maintain her focus on academics.