What does lust mean Meaning and Definition
What does lust mean
Pronunciation
/ˈlʌst/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Sexual desire or attraction, typically for someone of the opposite sex; intense passion or strong attraction.
Examples
- The romantic comedy explored the themes of lust and love.
- The actress played a character driven by her lust for power.
Synonyms
- Passion
- Attraction
- Desire
Antonyms
- Aversion
- Disgust
- Indifference
Etymology
The word ‘lust’ has its roots in the Old English word ‘lust’, which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word ‘lustiz’, and further back to the Proto-Indo-European word ‘leudh-‘. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings, from a primary emotion or instinct to a morally complicated concept.
Usage Notes
Lust is most often used in the context of romantic or sexual relationships, but can also be used to describe intense desires or attractions in other areas of life, such as ambition or wealth.
Cultural References
The concept of lust has been explored in various forms of literature and art, from medieval morality plays to modern literature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To satisfy one’s lust
- To give in to one’s lust
- To lust after something
Related Words or Phrases
- Love
- Desire
- Passion
Collocations
- Lust for power
- Lust for wealth
- Lust for knowledge
Frequency of Use
The word ‘lust’ is not as commonly used in modern language as it was in the past, but it still appears in various contexts, particularly in literature and discussions of human behavior.
Common Misspellings
- Lost
- Just
- Least