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

Anderson ties her interest in revolution to her eroticism; the idea of violently capturing freedom for herself and others turns her on. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

The brutality of conformism, the draining of romantic love, the disavowal of human eroticism and desire—these are the tenets of the society that Singh and Musteata have drawn, with an impish humor, a society that must smell rank, given the interdiction against clean teeth. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025

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

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