lust
UK: lʌst | US: lʌst
n. intense sexual desire
n. a strong craving for something (e.g., power, wealth)
v. to feel intense desire (archaic or poetic usage)
The word "lust" traces back to Old English lust, which broadly meant "pleasure, desire, or appetite." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old High German lust, Old Norse losti), all conveying a sense of eager longing. Over time, its meaning narrowed in English to emphasize intense sexual desire, though it retains broader metaphorical uses (e.g., "lust for power"). Unlike many modern English words, "lust" remains monomorphic—its core meaning is intact without prefixes or suffixes.
His lust for adventure led him to travel the world.
The novel explores themes of love and lust.
She felt a sudden lust for chocolate after dinner.
In medieval literature, lust was often depicted as a sin.
The dictator's lust for control knew no bounds.