nymphomania
3 synonyms for nymphomania, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Uncontrollably frequent or intense sexual desire in a woman; a dated term no longer used as a clinical diagnosis.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nymphomania
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
diagnosed with nymphomania
accused of nymphomania
Dated and often derogatory; use hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behaviour in serious writing.
Etymology
From Greek nymphē, 'bride' or 'nymph', and mania, 'madness' or 'frenzy', by way of modern Latin nymphomania.
Full origin of nymphomania →Frequently asked questions
Is nymphomania a real medical condition?
Not under that name. Modern clinicians speak of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder or hypersexuality, which apply to any gender. Nymphomania was historically applied only to women and is now regarded as a sexist relic.
What is the difference between nymphomania and satyriasis?
They are the same idea split by gender: nymphomania described excessive sexual desire in women and satyriasis described it in men. Both terms are obsolete in clinical practice.
Is it offensive to call someone a nymphomaniac?
Usually yes. Outside historical discussion it functions as a slur about a woman's sex life rather than a description of a condition.
