What does lecherous mean?
Lecherous is an adjective meaning excessively or improperly desirous of sexual pleasure. It can characterize a person as lustful or morally dissolute, but it is also frequently applied to observable features such as a gaze, smile, remarks, intentions, or conduct. The term normally carries a negative or disapproving connotation: calling someone lecherous suggests not merely sexual interest but a behaviour regarded as intrusive, indecent, or insufficiently restrained. In modern English, it is especially common in literary and historical descriptions of predatory or lustful characters, while direct criticism of real people may be considered blunt or accusatory. Related but less pejorative terms include libidinous and lustful, whereas lascivious and lewd also emphasize sexual impropriety. Lecherous is useful where the speaker intends to convey both sexual desire and a judgement about its propriety.
adjectiveHaving or showing a strong, often improper desire for sexual pleasure. It typically describes a person, gaze, smile, or behaviour regarded as lustful or lewd.
- Having or showing excessive or improper sexual desire; lustful.
"She recoiled from the lecherous gaze of the stranger across the table."
"The novel depicts the corrupt landowner as a lecherous old man."
"Her colleagues objected to his lecherous remarks during the meeting."
"The actress recalled being subjected to a lecherous stare by an older director."
Once part of a vocabulary for excess and appetite, lecherous has become a sharply disapproving label for unwanted sexual attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lecherous come from?
The adjective entered Middle English from Old French in the form lechereus, meaning “lustful” or “lascivious.” It belongs to a vocabulary based on Old French lecher, a term associated with excess, appetite, and sexual indulgence. The English word subsequently developed into a firmly disapproving label for behaviour regarded as lewd or lustful.
Related word forms
How lecherous is actually used
The word is strongly disapproving and is often used to condemn sexual interest or behaviour perceived as excessive, intrusive, or improper. It is more openly moralistic than the more neutral libidinous and may be especially suitable for literary or historical description.