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Glite Dictionary
libertinism

libertinism

1 9.9
A way of living that seeks pleasure and ignores moral rules, often showing sexual freedom
  • noun
  • /ˌlɪbərˈtɪnɪzəm/
  • NSFW
translation icon : libertinaje
  • Pagan Roman religions did not, in general, preach hedonism or libertinism (although there were some individual religions that did); rather, the answers to moral questions were not assumed to follow from religion.

Examples

  • Augustine ends his account of the years he spent in Carthage indulging in sexual and ideological libertinism with his departure from the African city for Rome, where he soon becomes converted to Christianity.

    Academic text (1998)

  • The women of these cities who moved in bourgeois circles were notorious for their wit, shrewdness, deceit, amorous tricks, and libertinism (Pfandl 127-28).

    Academic text (1990)

  • I do believe, though, that feminism and sexual libertinism have contributed to the breakdown of the family, and I see this as a real negative (for both men and women), especially for lower socioeconomic classes.

    Blog text (4)

  • What can we expect from such men who would rather we were still in our ignorance so that they might feed their own sinful lusts and desires? For Africa, in her ignorance, is to them the land of libertinism.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The novel explores themes of libertinism as characters indulge in hedonistic lifestyles without regard for societal norms.

  • Many critics argue that the period of libertinism in 18th-century France reflected a rejection of traditional moral values.

  • The artist's work often showcases elements of libertinism, challenging the boundaries of conventional morality through provocative imagery.

Synonyms

licentiousness
vslibertinism
  • NSFW
2 9.9

A lack of moral control over sexual behavior

emphasizes an ongoing lifestyle of self indulgence and disregard for norms
libertinage
vslibertinism
  • NSFW
9.9

A lifestyle with little moral or sexual control

is broader and highlights self indulgence and often promiscuity

Antonyms

self-restraint
7 4.6

The ability to control your feelings and urges

asceticism
  • Formal
3 9.4

A way of living with very strict self-control that avoids pleasure for religious or spiritual reasons

How Unrestrained

depravity
  • Formal
25 8.8
libertinism
  • NSFW
1 9.9
indulgence
24 6.0
self-control
53 3.3

Surface Forms

libertinism singular
libertinisms plural

Morphology

libertinism = libertine (transparent) = libertine + ism

The noun is a straightforward formation from the noun 'libertine' with the productive suffix '-ism' indicating a doctrine, practice, or state, so the meaning follows directly from the base.

Etymology

Libertinism comes from the Latin root liber ('free') and shares the same root as liberty; the idea was first used for people who felt 'free' from old social rules. So, libertinism now means a way of living that ignores usual moral limits and enjoys freedom without restraint.