lust
UK[lʌst]US[lʌst]
n
A very strong feeling of wanting to have something, especially sexual desire.
v
To have a very strong desire for something, especially sexual desire.
Etymology
The word 'lust' originates from the Old English 'lust', meaning "pleasure, desire, appetite." This term is of Proto-Germanic descent, related to Old High German 'lust' and Old Norse 'losti'. Its Proto-Indo-European root is likely las-, meaning "to be eager, wanton, or unruly," which conveys a sense of strong, untamed desire. Over time, the meaning in English narrowed from a general sense of pleasure or longing to focus more intensely on intense physical or sexual craving. This semantic shift reflects a cultural and linguistic focusing of the concept from broad eagerness to a specific, powerful drive.
Analysis
The word 'lust' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a complete lexical root.
Examples
His eyes burned with a fierce lust for power.
The novel explores themes of greed and lust.
He was accused of lusting after his neighbor's wife.