Definition

Noun: 1. Personification of excessive or self-indulgent sexual desire: In historical Christian moral theology, Luxuria is one of the seven deadly sins, personifying lust, lechery, or excessive and unrestrained sexual appetite.

Usage Notes

• The term luxuria is a Latin word adopted directly into English. It is primarily used in historical, theological, or literary contexts to refer to the classical concept of lust as a capital vice.
• It is often personified, meaning it is treated as a character or a force. You will find it in texts discussing medieval morality, the seven deadly sins, or allegorical works.
• In modern English, its direct synonym lust is far more common for everyday use. Luxuria is a specialized, academic term.

Examples

• In Dante's , the souls guilty of Luxuria are buffeted by an eternal storm.
• The medieval sermon detailed how Luxuria could lead the soul to perdition.
• The painting depicted the seven deadly sins, with Luxuria shown as a seductive figure.

Advanced Usage

• In allegorical representation: Luxuria is frequently personified in art and literature as a female figure, often with associated symbols like mirrors, serpents, or being consumed by flames.
  • The allegorical figure of Luxuria in the tapestry was surrounded by symbols of vanity and desire.

Variants and Related Words

• Lust (n.): The common English equivalent, meaning intense or uncontrolled sexual desire.
• Lechery (n.): Gross, excessive, or offensive sexual desire.
• Lasciviousness (n.): The quality of being lustful or lewd.
• Libido (n.): A technical or psychological term for sexual drive or desire, typically without the moral condemnation of .
• Concupiscence (n.): A formal, often theological term for strong sexual desire, akin to lust.

Synonyms

• Lust
• Lechery
• Lasciviousness
• Debauchery (implies excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures generally)

Antonyms

• Chastity
• Purity
• Temperance
• Abstinence

Noun

1. self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins)