Lewd
luːd
Definitions
Offensive, crude, or vulgar, especially in a sexual way.
luːd
Offensive or indecent
The comedian's jokes were considered lewd and offensive by many in the audience.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone making really inappropriate jokes or comments about sex that make you uncomfortable or grossed out. That's lewd behavior.
👶 For kids: Something that is lewd is not nice and makes people feel yucky because it is about bad things like showing your body to strangers.
More Examples
The magazine was criticized for publishing lewd images.
The politician's lewd remarks were widely condemned.
How It's Used
"The novel contained several lewd descriptions."
"He was charged with indecent and lewd conduct."
From Middle English *lewde* (lay, unlearned, ignorant), from Old English *lēod* (lay person, not a member of the clergy), from Proto-Germanic *leudiz* (people, folk). The sense shifted from 'ignorant' or 'common' to 'wicked' and then to 'sexually indecent'.
In older usage, *lewd* could mean 'ignorant' or 'common'. The meaning shifted over time.
Memory tip
Think of someone being rude and sexually suggestive – that's lewd.