concupiscence
/kənˈkjuːpɪs(ə)ns
/noun [mass noun] formal
Strong sexual desire; lust: St Anthony’s battle with concupiscence...
- Any distortion of this form is judged a result of Original Sin, evidenced by concupiscence affecting human sexual desire and labeled ‘disorder.’
- Snoopiness, gossip, toying with the occult, reluctance to do what is good, forgetfulness of God's will, factionalism, and many other failings are as much manifestations of concupiscence as disordered sexual impulses.
- According to Augustine, sin is concupiscence: that is, a compelling desire or drive to serve one's self rather than God.
Synonyms
sexual desire, lust, lustfulness, sexual appetite, sexual longing, sexual passion, ardour, desire, passion;
libido, sex drive, sexuality, biological urge;
lechery, lecherousness, lasciviousness, lewdness, wantonness, carnality, licentiousness, salaciousness, prurience
informal horniness, raunchiness, the hots
British informal randiness, the horn
rare salacity, nympholepsy
Origin
Middle English: via Old French from late Latin concupiscentia, from Latin concupiscent- 'beginning to desire', from the verb concupiscere, from con- (expressing intensive force) + cupere 'to desire'.