frigidity

American  

[fri-jid-i-tee] / frɪˈdʒɪd ɪ ti /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonfrigidity noun
• unfrigidity noun

Etymology

Origin of frigidity

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

Example Sentences

A lighthearted experience this is not; Ms. Schilinski recreates the harsh frigidity of exacting European filmmakers such as Michael Haneke and Ingmar Bergman without evincing the slightest interest in redemption or silver linings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

With searing yet quiet familiarity, Victor derides the way trauma is handled with callous frigidity.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2025

In front of these drawings at the Met, I fell in love with David again: with his intensity and his frigidity; with how, in his shadow, today’s “political” art looks as benign as patty-cake.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2022

The same phenomenon may be causing abnormal spells of extreme heat and blasts of polar frigidity, because the jet stream winds that normally break up weather patterns and drive storm systems are weaker.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2022

And then I realize: I have waited outside in the cold gray-lit car-exhausted frigidity and caused the possible broken bones in Gary's hand to hear a band that is, manifestly, not Neutral Milk Hotel.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan