lewdness

[ lood-nis ]

noun

1. indecency or obscenity; vulgar sexual character or behavior:

   The strip club has been shut down repeatedly for lewdness and public sexual acts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lewdness¹

lewd ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

“Laziness, as well as characteristics of submissiveness, backwardness, lewdness, treachery, and dishonesty, historically became stereotypes assigned to African Americans,” the National Museum of African American History and Culture explains.

From Salon

Allen thinks Fielding is absolutely perfect for the part and fits in the world they’ve created, highlighting his sly, often bizarre humor, one with puns, gentle lewdness and pranks.

From Seattle Times

Those who violate the law could also be charged with loitering, lewdness or voyeurism, depending on their behavior.

From Seattle Times

He faces several charges including public lewdness, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

From Seattle Times

During his testimony, De Niro admitted that he had asked her to scratch his back and had used profanity, but he said he never did anything out of “disrespect or lewdness.”

From Seattle Times