Definition and Pronunciation
Lewd (pronounced: /luːd/) is an adjective that describes behavior, language, or thoughts that are sexually crude, offensive, or indecent. It often refers to actions that are lustful and lacking in respect or modesty.
Easy Explanation
“Lewd” means dirty in a sexual way. For example, telling offensive sexual jokes, making rude gestures, or behaving inappropriately toward someone can be called lewd.
Grammatical Formation
- Adjective: lewd
- Noun: lewdness
- Adverb: lewdly
- Opposite: decent, chaste
Word Comparisons
- Lewd vs. vulgar: both mean offensive, but vulgar can be general; lewd is specifically sexual.
- Lewd vs. obscene: obscene is stronger, often illegal; lewd can be suggestive or crude.
- Lewd vs. lustful: lustful = having strong desire; lewd = showing that desire crudely.
Connotations
- Strongly negative: offensive, crude, immoral.
- Legal: many laws punish “lewd conduct” (indecent exposure, public sexual acts).
- Figurative: shameless, gross, improper.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Lewd in: lewd in his remarks.
- Lewd with: lewd with young women.
- Lewd about: lewd about her appearance.
Real-Life Examples
- He was arrested for lewd behavior in public.
- The movie was criticized for its lewd content.
- She complained about his lewd jokes at work.
- Medieval literature sometimes depicted lewd characters as comic figures.
Synonyms
obscene, indecent, vulgar, crude, lascivious, lustful, licentious, dirty, salacious
Antonyms
chaste, decent, modest, pure, virtuous, moral, clean
Related Terms
- Obscene – highly offensive, often sexual.
- Lascivious – overtly lustful.
- Wanton – reckless or sexually unrestrained.
- Indecent – not conforming to accepted standards.
Common Collocations
- lewd behavior
- lewd comments
- lewd act
- lewd jokes
- lewd conduct charges
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Lewd joke: sexually inappropriate joke.
- Lewd act: legal phrase for indecent exposure or sexual misconduct.
- Lewd grin: expression suggesting crude sexual thoughts.
Sample Sentences
- The judge fined him for lewd behavior in public.
- She was offended by his lewd comments during the meeting.
- The comedian was criticized for telling lewd jokes.
- The artwork was condemned as lewd by conservative critics.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, directly. “Lewd” always relates to sexual impropriety, misconduct, or crude expression. It is one of the strongest negative words for describing sexually offensive behavior or speech, both in everyday language and in legal contexts.
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