Voyeurist

A voyeurist is an individual who derives sexual gratification from secretly observing others engaging in intimate acts, such as sexual activity, undressing, or other private behaviors. This observation is typically done without the knowledge or consent of the individuals being watched. The act is classified as a paraphilia when it becomes a primary source of sexual arousal and causes significant distress or impairment to the individual or harm to others. The term is often associated with a sense of secrecy, a feeling of power derived from the ability to observe unnoticed, and a disconnection from direct participation. The behavior can range in severity, from occasional fleeting interests to compulsive and intrusive actions that may lead to stalking, harassment, or other illegal activities. Psychologically, voyeurism can be understood as a complex interplay of factors, including fantasies, emotional needs, and potential underlying anxieties.

Voyeurist meaning with examples

• The private investigator admitted to being a voyeurist, confessing his reliance on covert surveillance to gather information and obtain a thrill from watching his targets unknowingly.
• Despite the moral implications, some art critics argue that documentary filmmakers can sometimes, unintentionally, become voyeurists when exploiting their subjects' privacy for artistic merit and audience interest.
• The defendant in the stalking case was revealed to be a voyeurist, having installed hidden cameras to record intimate moments of his neighbors, leading to his arrest and conviction.
• A growing concern in the age of digital technology is the rise of online voyeurists, who seek out live streams or recorded content of private moments and deriving pleasure from their observations.
• The security guard was fired after an investigation revealed that he had been acting as a voyeurist, exploiting his position of trust to view confidential footage captured by the surveillance cameras.