Word: lust

Associations

Lust refers to a strong desire or craving, often associated with sexual desire. It can also mean a passionate longing for something.

• In literature, characters often struggle with lust. For example, "The story explored his lust for power, which led to his downfall." (Here, lust is not just for sex, but for control.)
• In the context of a relationship, you might say, "Their first date was filled with lust, but it didn't turn into love." (This highlights the initial physical attraction.)
• Lust can also be used more broadly: "He had a lust for life and enjoyed every moment." (This indicates a strong enthusiasm for life, not just physical desire.)

A well-known synonym for lust is "desire." The key difference is that "desire" is a broader term that can include emotional or spiritual yearnings, while "lust" typically refers to intense physical or sexual longing.

Substitution

Other phrases or words you might use instead of lust include:

• Desire (more general, can be emotional or physical)
• Craving (usually indicates a strong need for something specific)
• Passion (can indicate strong feelings in various contexts, not just sexual)

These alternatives can change the meaning slightly. For example, "craving" often suggests a more urgent need, while "passion" can imply a deep, intense feeling for something that isn’t limited to sexual attraction.

Deconstruction

The word "lust" comes from Old English "lust," meaning pleasure or delight. It has Germanic origins, linked to the idea of pleasure or desire. There are no prefixes or suffixes in the simple form of the word, making it quite direct.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt a strong desire for something? What was it?
• How does the meaning of lust change when used in different contexts? Can you create a sentence using the word lust for something other than sexual desire?
• What are some ways that lust can have positive or negative effects in people's lives?