sexual gratification

Meaning

1. 1noununcountableformal

   The feeling of satisfaction that comes from sexual activity or from the fulfillment of a sexual desire.

   Grammar: No plural and no a/an: the pursuit of sexual gratification.

   Patterns

   • seek sexual gratification
   • sexual gratification from something

   The therapist explained that sexual gratification is only one part of a healthy relationship.

   The law treats some acts as crimes when they are done for sexual gratification.

   The study looked at how people describe sexual gratification in long relationships.

Common combinations

seek sexual gratification

The report describes people who seek sexual gratification online.

for sexual gratification

The court heard the act was committed for sexual gratification.

delay sexual gratification

Some cultures encourage young people to delay sexual gratification until marriage.

mutual sexual gratification

Counselors discuss mutual sexual gratification as part of intimacy.

sexual gratification and intimacy

The book separates sexual gratification from emotional intimacy.

Synonyms and how they differ

sexual satisfaction

Sexual satisfaction is more common and focuses on contentment in a relationship, while gratification stresses the fulfilling of a desire.

sexual pleasure

Sexual pleasure is warmer and simpler, whereas gratification sounds clinical and formal.

sexual fulfillment

Sexual fulfillment suggests a deeper and longer-lasting state, while gratification can be momentary.

Opposites

Word family

gratify verb

to give pleasure or satisfy a desire

gratified adjective

pleased and satisfied

gratifying adjective

giving satisfaction

gratification noun

satisfaction of a desire

sexuality noun

a person's sexual feelings and identity

Commonly confused: sexual gratification or gratitude?

Practice

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