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

This is eroticism without prurience. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026

Likewise, the intensely retrograde gender politics—and the text’s out-of-control, onanistic eroticism—seem fairly personal and specific. —Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025

The performance unfolds as an interplay of contrasts between excess and stillness, eroticism and virtuosity, violence and intimacy. —Jana Baumann, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

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

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