a strong sexual desire
"His sudden lust made him forget all reason and rush toward her immediately."
A feeling of strong desire, especially such a feeling driven by sexual arousal.
"His lust burned intensely when he saw her walk past in that tight dress."
In plain English: Lust is an intense and often selfish desire for physical pleasure, especially sexual attraction toward someone else.
"His strong lust for power led him to make dangerous decisions."
Usage: Lust refers specifically to an intense craving that is typically sexual in nature, distinguishing it from general desires like greed or ambition. Use this word when describing powerful urges driven by physical attraction rather than mild interest or polite admiration.
To look at or watch with a strong desire, especially of a sexual nature.
"He could not help but lust after her as she walked down the crowded street."
In plain English: To lust is to feel an intense and overwhelming desire for something, often driven by strong physical attraction.
"He did not lust after fame, but instead found happiness in his quiet garden."
The word lust comes from the Old English term for pleasure or longing that traveled into Middle English with essentially the same meaning. Its Germanic roots are related to other words in languages like Dutch and Swedish, as well as perhaps Sanskrit terms for desire.