voyeurism

[vwah-yur-iz-uh m, voi-, voi-uh-riz-] /vwɑˈyɜr ɪz əm, vɔɪ-, ˈvɔɪ əˌrɪz-/
noun
1.
the practice of obtaining sexual gratification by looking at sexual objects or acts, especially secretively.
Origin
Contemporary definitions for voyeurism
noun

See scopophilia

noun

See scoptophilia

Word Origin and History for voyeurism
n.

"scopophilia," 1924, from voyeur + -ism.

voyeurism in Medicine

voyeurism voy·eur·ism (voi-yûr'ĭz'əm)
n.
The practice of being a voyeur. Also called scopophilia.

voyeurism in Culture
voyeurism [(voy-ur-iz-uhm, vwah-yur-iz-uhm, voy-uhr-iz-uhm)]

Deriving sexual satisfaction by secretly watching others undress or engage in sexual activity. (See peeping Tom.)

Encyclopedia Article for voyeurism

human sexual behaviour involving achievement of sexual arousal through viewing the sexual activities of others or through watching others disrobe. To some extent voyeurism is widespread; various types of sexual display are a normal part of sexual attraction and mating behaviour in most animals, including humans, but voyeurism is considered a deviant behaviour when observation ceases to be merely one factor in sexual attraction and becomes the sole or primary source of gratification. The risk of being caught is an additional element in the excitement of the voyeur.

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