Definition

Verb: * To feel an intense, often uncontrolled, sexual desire for someone.

Usage

This verb describes a powerful, sometimes obsessive, craving for physical intimacy with a specific person. It often implies that the desire is strong, passionate, and not necessarily based on romantic love. It is typically used in a context where the desire is obvious or consuming.

Examples

• He openly lusted after his neighbor.
• The character in the novel lusts after power as much as he lusts after women.
• It was clear from his gaze that he lusted after her.

Advanced Usage

• The object of desire is almost always a person. When used metaphorically for non-human objects (like power, money, or possessions), it is an extension of the core meaning, comparing the intensity of the desire to a sexual craving.
• It often carries a slightly negative or morally charged connotation, suggesting a desire that is raw, primal, or inappropriate.

Variants and Related Words

• Lust (noun): The intense sexual desire itself.
  • He was driven by pure lust.
• Lustful (adjective): Full of or characterized by lust.
  • He gave her a lustful look.

Synonyms

• Desire (a more general term)
• Crave
• Covet (often for possessions, but can be used for people)
• Hanker after (less intense, more informal)

Phrasal Verbs

• Lust for: A variant with the same meaning, where the object follows the preposition "for." "Lust after" is generally more common when the object is a person.
  • He lusted for revenge. (Metaphorical use is common with "for").
  • He lusted after the crown. (Also acceptable).

Related Idioms

• To have the hots for (someone): (Very informal idiom) To be strongly sexually attracted to someone.
  • I think he has the hots for the new intern.

Verb

1. have a strong sexual desire for
   • he is lusting after his secretary