nymphomaniac
Nymphomaniac (noun) means a dated, often disparaging term for a woman said to have an unusually strong sex drive. Example: “The old psychiatric term "nymphomaniac" is now considered outdated and stigmatizing.”
How to use nymphomaniac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, judgmental label historically used for women assumed to want too much sex.
Dated and clinically discredited; modern usage tends to view the term as sexist and best avoided.
Word forms
- Plural
- nymphomaniacs
- Comparative
- more nymphomaniac
- Superlative
- most nymphomaniac
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old psychiatric term "_____" is now considered outdated and stigmatizing.
Etymology
From nymphomania plus -ac, ultimately combining Greek nymphe ("bride") with mania ("madness").