prurient

/ˈpɹʊəɹ.i.ənt/

Group 29Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters
GRE

Example in Context

The court ruled that the material's prurient content lacked the redeeming artistic or literary value that might have afforded it constitutional protection.

Synonyms

lustfulindecentlewd

Etymology

Refers to a desire or itch for something, particularly in a sexual context.

  • prurire (Latin) — to itch

Memory Aid

😏Sounds like “purr rent

When the cat started to PURR while renting adult movies, it had a PRURIENT interest!

Visual Association

👀A cat lounging on a couch with a cheeky grin, surrounded by risqué movies.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “prurient” mean on the GRE?

prurient (adjective) means “Having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters”. The court ruled that the material's prurient content lacked the redeeming artistic or literary value that might have afforded it constitutional protection.

How to remember “prurient” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “prurient” sounds like “purr rent”. When the cat started to PURR while renting adult movies, it had a PRURIENT interest!

What are synonyms for “prurient”?

Common synonyms: lustful, indecent, lewd.