nymphomania
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.”
How to use nymphomania
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old word for a woman wanting sex far more than others think normal.
Dated and often derogatory; use hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behaviour in serious writing.
The person noun is nymphomaniac; the shortened slang form nympho is always insulting.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nymphomania
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.