lecherous

American  

[lech-er-uhs] / ˈlɛtʃ ər əs /

adjective

1. given to or characterized by lechery; lustful.

2. erotically suggestive; inciting to lust.

   lecherous photographs.

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lecherous British  

/ ˈlɛtʃərəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or inciting lechery

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Other Word Forms

• lecherously adverb
• lecherousness noun
• unlecherous adjective
• unlecherously adverb
• unlecherousness noun

Etymology

Origin of lecherous

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English word from Middle French word lechereus. See lecher, -ous

Explanation

To be lecherous is to be full of strong sexual desire and to act on it, usually in an unpleasant way. People who are lecherous are kind of obsessed with sex — they can't stop thinking about it or having it. This is a word that is used more often to describe men than women: lecherous men are called lechers. There is also a creepy flavor to this word. If you describe someone as lecherous, it usually isn't a compliment. A common use is talking about a lecherous old man who hits on younger women.

Example Sentences

Everybody has in the back of their mind the idea of fauns as lecherous forest creatures or fairies as deceitful shape-shifters.

From The Verge • Sep. 10, 2019

Even if his protagonists aren’t necessarily likable, he’s gifted at making them seem human — whether it’s a lecherous Southern California newscaster or the Mr. Burns of real-life political memory.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2018

Inspired by the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus, it is populated by such popular stock characters as the lecherous old man, the braggart soldier and a crafty servant or two.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2017

Some, however, are concerned that the Weinstein saga is unfairly tarring men with the same brush of scandal — that those who might be considered merely lecherous are being conflated with predators.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2017

Shall we look to the sweater, the chattel-mortgage shark, the lecherous merchant, to reform themselves?

From White Slaves; or, the Oppression of the Worthy Poor by Banks, Louis Albert