illicit desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illicit desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a longing or craving that is considered forbidden or morally wrong. Example: "Her illicit desire for her best friend's partner led to a complicated and painful situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Their dynamic caricatured that illicit desire that exists despite — or, perhaps, because of — racism.

The New Yorker

Their dynamic caricatured that illicit desire that exists despite or, perhaps, because of racism.

The New Yorker

They were crossing the border to satisfy an illicit desire of a different sort: one for pirated satellite television.

The New York Times - Tech

Each side believes the other holds more power; this secret certainty arouses a stirring of illicit desire.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, Austrian provocateur Ulrich Seidl completes his new trilogy with Paradise: Hope – a tale of illicit desire on a fat farm.

Independent

(Later, doubt will be cast on this version of events: the tale of illicit desire is not at all what it initially seemed).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Der meshugener batlen ("The Mad Talmudist") enters the mind of a yeshiva boy who reflects on his unstable identity and illicit desires.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We would disturb and cheer up public spaces, so there would be room for the expression of individuality and illicit desires.

The Guardian

Stillman sees style as a way of coping gracefully with society's rules and fulfilling illicit desires without violence or even disruption.

The New Yorker

The story (first filmed in 1915 and reinterpreted endlessly since) is well rehearsed: illicit desires provoke a mortal sin in the shadow of which fleshy pleasures wither.

The Guardian - Film

Their Freud, fully cognizant of his illicit desires, stops at his sister-in-law's bedroom door, for he knows that sublimation of the erotic drives is the price men pay for civilization.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "illicit desire" to add a layer of moral or legal complexity to a character's motivations or a plot point in your narrative. It's suitable for exploring themes of transgression and societal boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit desire" when a simpler term like 'attraction' or 'infatuation' would suffice. "Illicit desire" implies a prohibition or moral wrong that goes beyond mere attraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illicit desire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a longing that is forbidden or morally wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illicit desire" denotes a forbidden or morally questionable longing, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to express taboo desires and internal conflicts. While grammatically sound, it's important to distinguish it from simple attraction, reserving it for situations involving true transgression. Related phrases include "forbidden longing" and "unlawful craving". Remember to use "illicit desire" when you want to add depth and moral complexity, to reveal characters' motivations. The phrase conveys a sense of crossing a boundary whether moral, ethical or legal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbidden longing

Focuses on the forbidden aspect of the desire, implying a rule or law is being broken.

unlawful craving

Emphasizes the illegal or criminal nature of the desire.

immoral temptation

Highlights the morally wrong aspect of the temptation.

prohibited passion

Emphasizes the passionate nature of the desire, while also indicating it is forbidden.

repressed yearning

Focuses on the suppression of a strong desire.

clandestine appetite

Highlights the secretive and hidden nature of the desire.

guilty pleasure

Focuses on the pleasurable aspect of something known to be wrong.

wrongful want

Emphasizes the injustice or impropriety of the desire.

unsanctioned lust

Highlights the lack of approval and the strong sexual element.

sinful urge

Focuses on the religious or moral transgression associated with the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "illicit desire" in a sentence?

You can use "illicit desire" to describe a longing for something forbidden. For example, "Her "illicit desire" for her best friend's husband caused considerable turmoil."

What is a synonym for "illicit desire"?

Synonyms include "forbidden longing", "unlawful craving", or "immoral temptation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "illicit desire" and "strong desire"?

"Strong desire" simply indicates a powerful longing. "Illicit desire" adds the element of something being forbidden, illegal, or morally wrong. The "illicit desire" carries a connotation of transgression that a strong desire does not.

Is "illicit desire" only used in the context of romantic relationships?

No, while it often appears in romantic contexts, "illicit desire" can apply to any forbidden longing, such as a desire for power, wealth, or forbidden knowledge. It always implies a moral or legal boundary being crossed.