voyeur

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'voyeur' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who derives sexual pleasure or excitement from watching others when they are naked or engaging in sexual activities. For example, "The voyeur hid in the bushes to watch as Sue and John had sex in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paul Formosa suggests that sadistic voyeurism is only evil because the voyeur allows the harm to occur and thus is partly responsible for the suffering (Formosa 2008, 227).

SEP

The problem with Formosa's analysis of sadistic voyeurism is that it cannot make sense of cases where the voyeur is unable to prevent the harm from occurring.

SEP

At first, you think he is a voyeur, but you realise that Ricky is using his camera to reach out and touch people, not just to record... it's his way of reaching out".

The Guardian - Film

All of which makes it sound as if the spectator is turned into some sort of creepy voyeur, but Nordström makes us less an audience and more like detectives hunting for clues at the scenes of a crime.

The Guardian - Arts

The former is certainly a teenage dope dealer and apparently a voyeur, a weirdo who films everything including the girl next door, a dead bird and the signature plastic bag.

The Guardian - Film

Dash Snow plays with this idea of truth in a quasi-documentary series of Polaroids which invite the viewer to become a voyeur into his seemingly bohemian life (pictured above).

The Economist

She fully exercised the writer's near-criminal licence to eavesdrop, read minds, to be a voyeur, to have the power of the judge, the police and the executioner.

The Economist

But he preferred, as ever, the shock of the absurd, and the sense of the detached voyeur intruding on private space.

The Economist

Le Voyeur (1955; The Voyeur) deals with the murder of a young girl by a passing stranger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And afterwards, when the performance is over, audience members can abandon their role of voyeur, step inside the hotel and have a drink in one of the rooms as it turns into a bar.

Independent

Less beaches and ballroom than hotels and whores, it's a nocturnal world of anonymous rooms and illicit assignations which cast the viewer as voyeur.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "voyeur", ensure the context clearly indicates the secretive and often sexual nature of the observation to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "voyeur" simply to describe any observer. It specifically implies a hidden observation, often with sexual connotations or a sense of intrusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "voyeur" functions primarily as a noun. It identifies a person who gains pleasure from secretly observing others, especially when they are undressed or engaged in sexual activity. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "voyeur" is a noun denoting someone who derives pleasure from secretly observing others, particularly in intimate situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently encountered in contexts like "News & Media", and "Science". While the word itself is neutral, its implications are often negative. When using "voyeur", clarity is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "peeping tom" or "secret observer" can be used depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peeping tom

Focuses on the act of secretly watching, particularly of a sexual nature.

secret observer

Emphasizes the clandestine nature of the observation.

clandestine watcher

Highlights the hidden and secretive aspect of watching.

covert onlooker

Suggests a hidden or disguised observer.

hidden spectator

Stresses the unseen nature of the spectator.

eavesdropper

Implies listening in on private conversations, broadening the scope of observation.

rubbernecker

Describes someone who stares at accidents or other unusual events, a more casual form of observation.

onlooker

A general term for someone who watches an event without being involved.

observer

A neutral term for someone who watches something.

spectator

Similar to observer, but often refers to someone watching a performance or sporting event.

FAQs

How is "voyeur" used in a sentence?

You can use "voyeur" to describe someone who secretly observes others, often for sexual gratification. For example, "The criminal was a "voyeur", who installed hidden cameras in the women's locker room."

What are some synonyms for "voyeur"?

Alternatives to "voyeur" include "peeping tom", "secret observer", or "clandestine watcher", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "voyeur" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "voyeur" carries strong connotations of sexual deviancy. Consider the context and audience before using it, and opt for more neutral terms like "observer" if the secretive, sexual element is not central to the meaning.

What is the difference between an "observer" and a "voyeur"?

An "observer" is a general term for someone who watches something. A "voyeur", however, specifically implies someone who secretly watches others, often in private situations, typically for sexual arousal. The key difference is the element of secrecy and the potential for sexual motivation.