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

• ardor
• concupiscence
• eros
• horniness
• itch
• lust
• lustfulness
• passion

Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films

an actress known for her smoldering eroticism

Recent Examples on the Web

Nosferatu is summoned from the occult niche of the Eggers universe viewers are now familiar with: remnants of The Lighthouse (2019) and The Northman (2022) ooze through the Gothic gloom and nauseating eroticism. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

In the 1970s, eroticism was situated between what was shown and what was hidden. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2024

Instead, his hallucinatory drama explores themes like Black assimilation, imperial white oppression, eroticism, and the uneasy relationship between religion and power. —Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2025

Affection and touch can lead to sexuality and eroticism. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 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