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lustful

C1
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /lˈʌstfəl/

US

  • /ˈləstfəl/

Description

To be lustful is not just to feel attraction; it is to feel strong sexual desire in a way that seems to take over your thoughts. Think of a character in a story who is so drawn to physical pleasure that it shapes how they look, act, or speak. The word can describe a person, a look, or a mood, as in "a lustful stare" or "his lustful thoughts." It often has a negative tone, suggesting desire that feels excessive, uncontrolled, or morally questionable.

Examples

  1. 1

    Sexual interest

    He gave her a lustful look across the room.

  2. 2

    Unwanted gaze

    She stepped away, uncomfortable under his lustful gaze.

    • Phrase

      lustful gaze

      a look that feels sexual and unwanted

  3. 3

    Character description

    The novel describes the prince as charming but selfish and lustful.

    • Usage

      lustful often sounds disapproving or literary

  4. 4

    Private thoughts

    He tried to push away the lustful thoughts that kept distracting him.

See also

adjectivefull of or expressing strong sexual desire

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • lustful thoughts
  • lustful gaze
  • lustful desire

Word family

Explore

  • sexual desire
  • objectification

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • lustfuladjective