What does concupiscence mean?
Concupiscence denotes powerful sexual desire, and in Christian moral theology it takes on a more precise meaning: the innate human inclination toward sin that follows from the Fall. The word derives from Latin concupiscentia, formed from concupiscere, 'to long for ardently,' itself combining con- ('with, thoroughly') and cupere ('to desire'). Its most influential treatment came from St. Augustine, who distinguished concupiscence — the disordered appetite of the soul — from freely chosen sin, arguing that even the baptized retain it though it ceases to be sinful when not consented to. In modern English the word is formal and largely literary or theological; ordinary speech prefers 'lust.' It frequently appears in discussions of asceticism, monastic discipline, and moral philosophy, where writers contrast the pull of concupiscence with the exercise of reason or virtue. Though rare, it remains valued for its precision and gravity.
nounStrong sexual desire; lust. In Christian theology, it refers specifically to the innate human inclination toward sin, particularly sensual desire, regarded as a consequence of the Fall.
- Strong sexual desire; lust, especially as a morally disordered appetite.
- (Christian theology) The innate human tendency toward sin, understood as a consequence of original sin and distinct from actual committed sin.
"The monk struggled daily to subdue his concupiscence through prayer and fasting."
"He warned against a life governed by concupiscence rather than reason."
"In Augustinian thought, concupiscence remains after baptism but no longer carries guilt unless consented to."
Rarely used in the plural; the word normally functions as an uncountable mass noun referring to desire or inclination in general.
"The treatise catalogued the various concupiscences that afflict the soul."
This word for 'lust' has been keeping theologians busy since St. Augustine — he blamed it for everything from original sin to why babies cry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of concupiscence
Concupiscence comes from Latin concupiscentia, meaning 'ardent desire,' derived from the verb concupiscere ('to covet greatly'), which joins con- ('thoroughly') with cupere ('to desire'). The word entered Middle English via Old French in the medieval period and became firmly embedded in English through Christian theological writing, above all Augustine's doctrine of original sin. Its Latin root also yields 'cupidity,' 'covet,' and the name Cupid, all descendants of cupere.
Related word forms
How concupiscence is actually used
A formal, literary, or theological term; it would sound stilted in casual conversation, where 'lust' or 'desire' would be used instead. It carries a strongly negative moral connotation, rooted especially in Catholic theology following St. Augustine. The related adjective 'concupiscent' appears occasionally in literary criticism.
Easily confused with concupiscence
Concrescence means the growing together of parts (as in teeth or tissue), while concupiscence means strong sexual desire or sinful inclination.
Concupiscent is simply the adjective form describing someone or something full of concupiscence, not a separate word.