lustful
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈʌstfəl/
US
- /ˈləstfəl/
Description
- Filled with strong sexual desire
- passionate
- lecherous
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.
The word "lustful" describes a strong, often obvious sexual desire. It goes beyond simple attraction and suggests a craving for physical pleasure that can strongly affect a person's thoughts, looks, or actions. If someone gives a lustful glance, makes lustful comments, or is described as having a lustful nature, the idea is that sexual desire is close to the surface and easy to notice.
Historically, "lust" has been treated as one of the seven deadly sins, so "lustful" often carries moral judgment. In many contexts, it suggests desire that feels excessive or unchecked, sometimes at the expense of good judgment, respect, or self-control. A lustful character in a novel, for example, may be led more by physical desire than by love, loyalty, or wisdom. Even so, the word does not always suggest cruelty; it mainly points to the strength and physical nature of the desire.
The word is most commonly used for people, expressions, looks, thoughts, or behavior. You might read about "lustful eyes," "a lustful grin," or "lustful thoughts" in fiction. It can also appear in discussion of religion, morality, or literature, where it helps explore temptation, passion, and the pull of bodily desire.
So, while attraction is a normal part of life, "lustful" describes something stronger and more physical: desire that feels intense, visible, and sometimes troubling.
Examples
- 1
Sexual interest
He gave her a lustful look across the room.
- 2
Unwanted gaze
She stepped away, uncomfortable under his lustful gaze.
Phrase
lustful gaze
a look that feels sexual and unwanted
- 3
Character description
The novel describes the prince as charming but selfish and lustful.
Usage
lustful often sounds disapproving or literary
- 4
Private thoughts
He tried to push away the lustful thoughts that kept distracting him.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lustfuladjective