WordNet
n. a desire for sexual intimacy [syn: concupiscence, physical attraction]
Wikipedia
Sexual desire is a motivational state and an interest in “sexual objects or activities, or as a wish, need, or drive to seek out sexual objects or to engage in sexual activities”. Synonyms for sexual desire are libido, sexual attraction, and lust. Sexual desire is an aspect of a person's sexuality, which varies significantly from one person to another, and also varies depending on circumstances at a particular time.
Sexual desire may be the “single most common sexual event in the lives of men and women”. Sexual desire is a subjective feeling state that can “be triggered by both internal and external cues, and that may or may not result in overt sexual behavior”. Sexual desire can be aroused through imagination and sexual fantasies, or perceiving an individual who one finds attractive. Sexual desire is also created and amplified through sexual tension, which is caused by sexual desire that has yet to be consummated.
Sexual desire can be spontaneous or responsive. Sexual desire is dynamic, can either be positive or negative, and can vary in intensity depending on the desired object/person. The sexual desire spectrum is described by Stephen B. Levine as: passion.
The production and use of sexual fantasy and thought is an important part of properly functioning sexual desire. Some physical manifestations of sexual desire in humans are; licking, sucking, puckering, and touching the lips, as well as tongue protrusion.
Sexual Desire: A Philosophical Investigation (also published as Sexual Desire: A Moral Philosophy of the Erotic) is a 1986 book about the philosophy of sex by Roger Scruton, in which Scruton argues that sex is morally permissible only if it involves love and intimacy. Sexual Desire has received praise from reviewers, and has been seen as one of the most important works in the philosophy of sex, but has also been an object of criticism for Scruton's treatment of homosexuality and other issues.
Usage examples of "sexual desire".
As a rare and sacramental rite, it was safe and necessary, helping the Keepers reaffirm their common humanity, reaffirming the close bond of the old Tower circles, the closest bond known, closer than kin, closer than sexual desire.
Rees was arguing, in effect, that sexual desire blocks self-fulfilment as much as poverty, and that he had a right to commit sex crimes to release his tension and restore a sense of reality.
That this sexual lowlife persuades the Ruth character (as Hannah would doubtless call her) into watching a prostitute with a customer might be less disturbing to Allan than the fact that the so-called Ruth character is uncontrollably overcome with sexual desire.
He'd let sexual desire override his common sense, and now she was in danger.
You see, if you feel sexual desire you can be pretty sure you'll find a woman who wants to take what you have to give.
And it has as much to do with the sexual desire to dominate and/or submit as the rituals we play at The Club.
In diluted and carefully monitored doses, it could and did enhance sexual desire and function.
She inhaled, taking in his fresh scent and trying to ignore the sexual desire galloping through her.