Prurience

Prurience (pronounced /ˈprʊəriəns/) refers to an excessive interest in sexual matters or a morbid curiosity about the body, sex, and sexuality, often characterized by a lascivious, lewd, or salacious mindset. It goes beyond mere interest, exhibiting an unhealthy preoccupation that can manifest in the seeking out of sexually explicit material or engaging in sexually suggestive behaviors. This often involves a focus on the suggestive, the erotic, or the pornographic, sometimes to the point of obsession, and can be associated with a lack of discretion or consideration for others. The core of prurience is an inordinate fascination, often bordering on the voyeuristic or exhibitionistic.

Prurience meaning with examples

• The website's comment section was flooded with prurience, as users fixated on the actress's wardrobe malfunction, dissecting every detail with lascivious delight. The constant barrage of graphic descriptions and judgmental commentary created an uncomfortable environment. Discussions strayed far from the film itself, with users more interested in objectifying her than discussing her performance, revealing a concerning level of online harassment.
• Despite the article's serious subject matter, certain online forums showed a disturbing prurience, their users focusing on the victims’ trauma for the sake of their own erotic gratification. Their comments were filled with intrusive details and exploitative language that belied a deeply insensitive mindset. This blatant disregard for human suffering underscored the harmful aspects of prurience and the internet's ability to amplify it.
• The detective's interrogation was often criticized for its prurience. He used graphic language and inappropriate questions during the interview, attempting to provoke the suspect through exploitative means instead of focusing on the facts of the case. This style of questioning, critics argued, was less about getting to the truth and more about satisfying his own curiosity. The suspect would be very intimidated and traumatized by the experience.
• The novel's depiction of certain characters contained such blatant prurience that many readers considered it gratuitous. The detailed description of the character's actions, that added nothing to the story other than visual stimulation for the reader was unneeded. This explicit nature detracted from the narrative, prompting discussions on whether the author's intent was artful storytelling or the mere exploitation of sexual themes for shock value and sales.
• Advertisers often exploit prurience by employing seductive images to sell products, which can come across as tacky and unwholesome. The advertisements used suggestive imagery which aimed to appeal to the viewer's baser instincts. Many viewers felt manipulated and offended by the blatant use of sex to sell unrelated products. The ethicality of this form of marketing is often debated.