Definition of the word prurient

The word "prurient" derives from the Latin word "prūria," which refers to an itching or scratching sensation, particularly in reference to a physical ailment such as scabies or other skin conditions. The Latin word "prūria" is in turn derived from the verb "prūrere," which means "to itch." In its modern usage, "prurient" carries a broader sense and refers to an obsession or moral taint associated with sexual urges or impulses that are considered unnatural, perverse, or abnormal. It can imply a strong desire for sexual gratification, often indulged in private or otherwise frowned upon in society. The word has its origins from late Middle English, where it also meant "itchy," gradually acquiring a broader moral sense. In legal contexts, the term is used in the United States in the definition of "obscene" materials or obscenity laws. The Supreme Court of the US has established that materials are legally obscene when they appeal to "prurient" interests, as defined by the community's contemporary cultural standards. Thus, "prurient" has come to carry a negative connotation in describing sexual content as morally lying beyond the bounds of acceptable social behavior.