noun

nymphomania

nim-fuh-MAY-nee-uh

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Nymphomania (noun) means Uncontrollably frequent or intense sexual desire in a woman; a dated term no longer used as a clinical diagnosis. Example: “Victorian doctors diagnosed nymphomania in women who simply enjoyed sex.”

noun

dated Uncontrollably frequent or intense sexual desire in a woman; a dated term no longer used as a clinical diagnosis.

"Victorian doctors diagnosed nymphomania in women who simply enjoyed sex."

"The book treats her supposed nymphomania as a symptom of an unhappy marriage."

offensive In loose or insulting everyday use, a woman's appetite for sex judged to be excessive.

"Calling her a nymphomaniac said more about him than about her."

How to use nymphomania

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old word for a woman wanting sex far more than others think normal.

When to use it

Dated and often derogatory; use hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behaviour in serious writing.

Memory tip

The person noun is nymphomaniac; the shortened slang form nympho is always insulting.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

satyriasis → hypersexuality → erotomania

Common pairings

diagnosed with nymphomania accused of nymphomania

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “nymphomania” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

Victorian doctors diagnosed _____ in women who simply enjoyed sex.

Etymology

From Greek nymphē, 'bride' or 'nymph', and mania, 'madness' or 'frenzy', by way of modern Latin nymphomania.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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hypersexuality compulsive sexual behaviour satyriasis (in men)

Related words

libido hypersexuality

Rhymes for nymphomania

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of nymphomania?

"nymphomania" (noun) means uncontrollably frequent or intense sexual desire in a woman; a dated term no longer used as a clinical diagnosis.

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