lust
C1Formal, literary; can be neutral but carries strong emotional weight.
Definition
Meaning
A very strong, often uncontrollable desire for something.
Primarily refers to intense sexual desire, but can also extend to strong cravings for power, material possessions, or other goals.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has strong moral and religious connotations, often implying something excessive, sinful, or transgressive. While historically used for non-sexual desires (e.g., lust for power), in modern usage it is overwhelmingly associated with sexual craving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or primary usage.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of sin, excess, and intense, potentially destructive desire in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in religious or formal literary contexts in both varieties; 'horny' or 'aroused' are more common casual synonyms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
lust for Nlust after Nlust over NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lust for life (enthusiastic approach to living)”
- “Lust of the eyes (covetousness)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; potentially in 'lust for power/market share' in hyperbolic commentary.
Academic
Common in religious studies, literature, psychology, and philosophy to discuss themes of desire, sin, and motivation.
Everyday
Used, but carries a heavy weight; more common in discussions about relationships, morality, or in a hyperbolic/joking manner.
Technical
In psychology/sexology, a technical term for intense sexual drive.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was accused of lusting after his neighbour's wife.
- The tabloids claimed he lusted for fame above all else.
American English
- The villain lusted for power and would stop at nothing.
- He was clearly lusting over the sports car in the showroom.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverbial form is 'lustfully').
American English
- N/A (The adverbial form is 'lustfully').
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'lustful' or 'lusty').
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'lustful' or 'lusty').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film was full of violence and lust.
- He felt a sudden lust for the expensive watch.
- Their relationship was based more on lust than on love.
- The dictator's lust for power led to the oppression of his people.
- Medieval monks were taught to suppress all carnal lust.
- The poem explores the destructive nature of lust and envy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LUST' as 'Lacking Ultimate Self-control Today' - it's about an overpowering desire.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUST IS FIRE (burning with lust), LUST IS HUNGER (consumed by lust), LUST IS A FORCE (driven by lust).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'люстра' (chandelier).
- Russian 'похоть' is a direct, but very strong and archaic-sounding equivalent.
- More common Russian words like 'влечение' or 'страсть' may be softer or broader.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lust' lightly for minor liking ('I lust for ice cream' is hyperbolic).
- Confusing 'lust' (noun/verb) with 'lusty' (adjective meaning healthy and vigorous).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lust' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, historically and in literary contexts (e.g., 'lust for power,' 'lust for gold'), but the sexual connotation is dominant in modern casual use.
Primarily yes, it implies excess, lack of control, and often sin. In very specific contexts (e.g., 'lust for life'), it can be positive, meaning intense enthusiasm.
'Desire' is neutral and general. 'Lust' is a specific, intense, and often morally charged type of desire, usually sexual.
It is formal/literary in register but is also widely understood. Its strength makes it less common in polite everyday conversation compared to softer terms.
Explore