Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being lewd; obscene or lustful behavior or character. This refers to a trait of being crude, offensive, and sexually indecent in a way that lacks propriety or restraint. 2. The trait of behaving in an obscene manner. This emphasizes the outward, observable actions that are considered grossly indecent or offensive to accepted standards of decency.

Usage and Examples

• As a general trait or quality:
  • The film was criticized for its gratuitous lewdness and lack of artistic merit.
  • His jokes crossed the line from humor into sheer lewdness.
• Describing specific behavior:
  • The comedian was fined for public lewdness during the performance.
  • She was offended by the lewdness of his remarks.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Formal Context: "Lewdness" can be a specific legal charge, such as "public lewdness" or "indecent lewdness," referring to acts intended to arouse or gratify sexual desire in a public place.
• Literary/Moral Criticism: The term is often used in critiques of art, literature, or media to describe content perceived as morally corrupting due to its explicit sexual nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Lewd (adjective): Behaving in a crude and offensive sexual way. (e.g., )
• Lewdly (adverb): In a lewd manner. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Obscenity: The state or quality of being obscene; highly offensive language or behavior.
• Indecency: Behavior or language that is offensive to accepted standards of decency.
• Lasciviousness: Feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire.
• Salaciousness: The quality of being excessively interested in sexual matters.

Antonyms

• Decency: Behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability.
• Modesty: The quality of being relatively moderate, restrained, or unassuming in behavior and dress.
• Propriety: Conformity to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

Idioms and Phrases

• To be charged with lewdness: To be formally accused of the crime of behaving in an obscene manner in public.

Noun

1. the trait of behaving in an obscene manner