Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling or being a phallus: Having the form or nature of a penis; phallic.
   • Overly concerned with masculinity and male sexuality: Characterized by or exhibiting an excessive preoccupation with masculine potency, virility, or sexual aggression.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Resembling a phallus):

  • The ancient monument contained a priapic stone pillar.
  • The artist's sculpture was criticized for its blatantly priapic form.

• Adjective (Concerned with male sexuality):

  • The film was filled with priapic humor focused on male conquest.
  • His priapic boasting about his exploits became tiresome.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in literary, artistic, or psychological criticism to describe symbols, themes, or behavior.
• It can carry a negative connotation of excessive, aggressive, or obsessive masculinity.
  • The novel's protagonist is driven by a priapic urge for dominance.

Variants and Related Words

• Priapism (n):
  • A medical condition involving a persistent and often painful erection.
  • By extension, a style or quality perceived as obsessively focused on phallic themes or male sexual power.
• Phallic (adj): Of, relating to, or resembling a phallus. (A more common and slightly less charged synonym for the first definition).

Synonyms

• Phallic: Relating to or resembling a penis.
• Virile: (In certain contexts) Having or characterized by masculine strength or spirit. (Note: "Virile" is generally positive, while "priapic" often implies excess).
• Machismo: (As a related concept) Strong or aggressive masculine pride.

Notes on Meaning

• The word originates from Priapus, a Greek and Roman god of fertility, gardens, and male genitalia, often depicted with a large, permanent erection.
• The first definition is descriptive and literal (form).
• The second definition is figurative and critical, describing an attitude or thematic focus.

Adjective

1. resembling or being a phallus
   • a phallic symbol
   • phallic eroticism
   • priapic figurines
2. overly concerned with masculinity and male sexuality
   • priapic episodes
   • priapic victories