prurient

[proor-ee-uhnt]

adjective

1. having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc.

2. causing lasciviousness or lust.

3. having a restless desire or longing.

prurient

/ ˈprʊərɪənt /

adjective

1. unusually or morbidly interested in sexual thoughts or practices

2. exciting or encouraging lustfulness; erotic

Other Word Forms

• prurience noun
• pruriently adverb
• pruriency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prurient¹

1630–40; < Latin prūrient- (stem of prūriēns ), present participle of prūrīre to itch

Word History and Origins

Origin of prurient¹

C17: from Latin prūrīre to itch, to lust after

Example Sentences

Otherwise, the only other mildly memorable role is a prurient neighbor played by David Cross, who is really just there to lend the indie production his star clout.

From Los Angeles Times

Actually, I am not sure which is worse: Trump is apparently enjoying showing off a prurient moment in history, or Maher is referring to it on stage.

From Salon

Small Business Administration has repeatedly denied Club Cobra’s application for COVID-19 relief money, alleging that the establishment offered services of a “prurient sexual nature.”

From Los Angeles Times

Apart from prurient interest, why should any of us really care?

From Los Angeles Times

In his debut performance at the Philadelphia rally he made a thinly veiled reference to a prurient and debunked rumor involving his opponent, Vance, and certain living room furniture.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• erotic 
• salacious 
• sexual