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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.

prurient

/ˈprʊriənt/ /ˈprʊərɪənt/

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.

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