What does libertinism mean?
Libertinism denotes a rejection of conventional moral, religious, or intellectual restraint. In contemporary use, it most often refers to sexual promiscuity or the deliberate disregard of restrictions on sexual behaviour, and the word typically carries a critical or disapproving tone. In historical writing, however, it may describe a freer intellectual or philosophical outlook, especially an attitude that treats religious belief or established authority with skepticism. The term can therefore be broader than its familiar modern meaning suggests. It is especially common in discussion of sexual morality, literary and historical attitudes, and political or religious nonconformity. A person associated with this rejection of restraint may be called a libertine, while libertinage is a closely related term often focused on unrestrained sexual conduct.
nounLibertinism is the practice or doctrine of disregarding conventional moral restraints, especially by engaging in sexual promiscuity. It can also refer more broadly to a skeptical or unrestrained attitude toward religious and intellectual authority.
- The practice of engaging in sexual promiscuity or disregarding conventional sexual restraint.
- The rejection of religious, intellectual, or moral authority in favour of unrestricted individual freedom.
"The novel explores the libertinism of the aristocratic society in which its protagonist has grown up."
"Her account of the political libertinism of the period is sharply critical of the ruling elite."
"The play presents libertinism as a rebellion against the sexual conventions of respectable society."
The word’s ancestor, libertine, originally meant a freethinker; its modern association with sexual immorality became dominant later.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libertinism come from?
The word entered English through French libertinisme, derived from libertin. Its ultimate Latin source is libertinus, meaning “freedman,” which developed from liber, “free.” In early modern English, “libertine” could designate a freethinker who rejected religious or intellectual orthodoxy; the stronger modern association with sexual misconduct became established during the later seventeenth century.
Related word forms
How libertinism is actually used
The term is generally critical or disapproving when referring to sexual conduct. In historical and philosophical contexts, it may describe free-thinking or skepticism without necessarily carrying the same modern moral emphasis.
Easily confused with libertinism
A libertine is a person who rejects moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct, whereas libertinism names the practice or doctrine associated with that behaviour.
Libertinage usually refers to unrestrained or promiscuous sexual behaviour, while libertinism can also describe broader rejection of religious, intellectual, or moral authority.