Unlustful

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by a lack of sexual desire or passion; embodying the absence of longing or craving for carnal pleasures; displaying an inherent disinterest in sensual or erotic experiences
2. Denoting a state devoid of sexual appetite or inclination; representing a sense of indifference towards the pursuit of physical intimacy; reflecting a mindset free from lustful thoughts or urges
3. Describing a disposition that is not tempted by sexual urges or desires; indicating a focus away from carnal impulses; showing an overall dispassion regarding erotic interests

Etymology: "Unlustful" is a plain formation: the prefix "un-", meaning "not", attached to "lustful." The adjective "lustful" is itself built from "lust" plus the suffix "-ful," which means "full of" or "characterized by," so a lustful person is one full of lust. Adding "un-" reverses that, giving a sense of not being governed by carnal desire. The base word "lust" is the older and more interesting part of the story. In Old English, "lust" meant pleasure or desire in a broad, neutral sense, and it could describe a longing for almost anything, not specifically sexual appetite. Its meaning narrowed over the centuries until sexual craving became its main sense, which is why "lustful" now sounds so strongly erotic. Because "unlustful" is a simple compound of two existing English elements, its exact date of first use is not something to rely on, and its meaning follows directly from the parts it joins.

Synonyms: chaste, abstinent

Antonyms: lustful, desirous