lust
|lust|
/lʌst/
strong desire
Etymology
'lust' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lust', where Proto-Germanic '*lustuz' meant 'desire, pleasure'.
'lust' changed from Old English word 'lust' into Middle English 'lust' and eventually became the modern English word 'lust'.
Initially, it meant 'desire, pleasure', and over time a strong sexual sense developed; today it commonly means 'intense sexual desire' but also retains the broader sense of 'strong desire'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an intense sexual desire or appetite.
His lust for her was obvious.
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Noun 2
a strong desire or craving for something nonsexual (e.g., power, money, success).
His lust for power led him to betray his friends.
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Noun 3
(archaic) Pleasure, delight, or enjoyment.
In older texts, lust sometimes meant simple pleasure.
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Verb 1
to feel intense sexual desire for someone (intransitive or followed by 'after'/'for').
They lust after celebrities they will never meet.
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Last updated: 2025/11/29 21:20