pornographic

UK: ˌpɔː.nəˈɡræf.ɪk | US: ˌpɔːr.nəˈɡræf.ɪk

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or intended to arouse sexual excitement

  2. adj. explicitly depicting sexual content in a vulgar or exploitative manner

Structure
porno <prostitution, from Greek "pornē">graph <write/draw, from Greek "graphein">ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word traces back to Greek "pornē" (prostitute) and "graphein" (to write/draw), combining to form "pornographos" (writing about prostitutes). The modern sense evolved in the 19th century with the rise of explicit media, shifting from textual descriptions to visual depictions. The suffix "-ic" standardizes it as an adjective.

Examples

  1. The film was banned for its pornographic content.

  2. He criticized the artist’s work as overly pornographic.

  3. The magazine faced legal action for distributing pornographic material.

  4. Critics argued that the novel’s scenes were unnecessarily pornographic.

  5. The exhibit carefully avoided pornographic imagery while exploring sexuality.