eroticism

noun

erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: an erotic theme or quality

2

: a state of sexual arousal

3

: insistent sexual impulse or desire

eroticist

i-ˈrä-tə-sist 

noun

Synonyms of eroticism

• lust
• lustfulness
• passion
• eros

Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films

an actress known for her smoldering eroticism

Recent Examples on the Web

The term nonsexual nudity feels inadequate, because for some, changing in a locker room could carry a charge of eroticism. —Jacob Beckert, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

In our concept of eroticism, the woman is the 'subject' as much as the man. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 12 Nov. 2025

The eroticism is undeniable, never safe or consumable. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025

On the other side of the coin, a hearty shift toward big romance and a little eroticism has not kept Swift from dipping into her characteristically more reflective songwriting, as a yin to the album’s celebratory yang. —Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for eroticism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Medical Definition

eroticism

noun

erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the arousal of or the attempt to arouse sexual feeling by means of suggestion, symbolism, or allusion (as in an art form)

2

: a state of sexual arousal or anticipation (as from stimulation of erogenous zones)

3

: insistent sexual impulse or desire