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 therapist Esther Perel has a theory about America’s eroticism shortage. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Any greater eroticism is largely kept off screen, but such scenes crackle with sensual possibility. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 July 2026

Piercing the sterility of contemporary life with the disruptive transgression of eroticism, Silver’s film features dreamy fantasy sequences that interrupt and disrupt, drawing us expertly into its characters’ sensual and unusual interiority. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

In the dark comedy Maddie’s Secret, Early dissects the odd eroticism of online food content. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for eroticism

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

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