frigidity

[ fri-jid-i-tee ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being frigid.
2. (in women) inhibition, not caused by a physical disorder or medication, of sexual excitement during sexual activity.

Other Words From

• nonfri·gidi·ty noun
• unfri·gidi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frigidity¹

1400–50; late Middle English frigidite coldness (< Middle French fregidité ) < Late Latin frīgiditās; frigid, -ity

Example Sentences

When Barbara entered lady Ann's dressing-room, she greeted her with less than her usual frigidity.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing against the earl in that direction, apparently; unless his countess was blest with the density of frigidity.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not dislike his relative himself and in fact rather liked him in spite of the frigidity he sometimes felt.

From Project Gutenberg

This tantalizing message—the first breaking of her recent silence—was saucy, almost cruel, in its dry frigidity.

From Project Gutenberg

We may assert, also, that the Bible saves education from frigidity.

From Project Gutenberg