WordGarden.iolust
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈʌst/
US
- /ˈləst/
Meanings
Noun
strong sexual desire
an intense desire for something
a morally condemned desire or sin, especially sexual desire
Verb
to feel strong sexual desire for someone
to want something intensely
Beyond the definition
Lust is most often used for strong sexual desire, but it can also describe a powerful craving for something else, like power, wealth, or revenge. Think of Captain Ahab in Moby-Dick; his pursuit was not romantic, but a consuming desire for revenge against the white whale. The word suggests passion without much control, a drive so strong that it can push reason and morality aside. Because of that, it is often shown as dangerous or destructive when it goes unchecked.
Lust is a primal and potent emotion, most commonly understood as an intense sexual desire. However, its meaning extends far beyond the physical realm. At its core, lust represents a ravenous craving – a burning need for something that feels essential, even if it's ultimately harmful or unattainable.
Historically, "lust" carried strong religious connotations and was often linked to sin and temptation. In literature and art, it is frequently portrayed as a destructive force that drives characters to make reckless choices. Shakespeare, for example, presents it as a force of corruption in Hamlet.
But the word isn't limited to illicit desires. You can have a "lust for life," meaning an enthusiastic and passionate enjoyment of everything it offers. A politician might be driven by a "lust for power," or an artist consumed by a "lust for recognition." In these cases, lust signifies an insatiable ambition that fuels relentless pursuit.
The key to understanding "lust" lies in its intensity and lack of restraint. It's not simply wanting something; it's needing it with a fervor that can consume the individual. While desire is often tempered by reason or morality, lust pushes boundaries and disregards consequences.
So whether it's a forbidden romance, an unyielding ambition, or a deep-seated craving for something more, lust represents a powerful, all-consuming force within human experience – one that can lift people to great heights or pull them into darkness.
Examples
- 1
Sexual attention
He looked at her with obvious lust, and she stepped back.
- 2
Early relationship
Their relationship was built on lust at first, but it slowly became something deeper.
- 3
Public scandal
The scandal was less about love than about lust and bad judgment.
- 4
Money and status
The novel is about a young lawyer's lust for money and status.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fame
She never seemed interested in fame, but her brother lusted after it.
- Usagelust after + person/thing
want them or it very strongly, often disapprovingly
- 6
Renewed energy
After the illness, he came home with a new lust for life.
- Phraselust for life
strong enjoyment of being alive
- 7
Crowd violence
The speech fed the crowd's bloodlust instead of calming them down.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lustnounverb
Forms
- lustsverbnoun
- lusting-ing formverbnoun
- lustedpast tenseverbnoun