The term “anti-sexual” is used to describe a person or behavior that is opposed to or avoids sexual activity. It is a term that has gained popularity in recent years as more people have become open about their sexuality and sexual preferences. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anti-sexual, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Anti-sexual is a term that describes a person who is opposed to or avoids sexual activity. This can be for a variety of reasons, including religious or moral beliefs, personal preferences, or trauma. Some people who identify as anti-sexual may still experience romantic attraction or engage in non-sexual physical intimacy.
Origin
The term anti-sexual has its roots in the Greek word “anti,” which means “against.” It was first used in the early 20th century to describe people who were opposed to sex or sexual activity.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term anti-sexual is not commonly found in dictionaries, but some online sources define it as “opposed to or avoiding sexual activity.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “opposed to or avoiding sexual activity, especially because of religious or moral beliefs.”
Associations
The term anti-sexual is often associated with asexuality, which is a lack of sexual attraction to others. However, not all people who identify as anti-sexual are asexual. Some may still experience romantic attraction or engage in non-sexual physical intimacy.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of anti-sexual include sex-averse, sex-negative, and celibate.
Antonyms
The antonyms of anti-sexual include sex-positive, sexually active, and sexually liberated.
The same root words
The root word “anti” is used in many other words in the English language, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-depressant.
Example Sentences
- Sarah identifies as anti-sexual and prefers to focus on emotional intimacy in her relationships.
- John’s religious beliefs make him anti-sexual and he has chosen to remain celibate.
- The anti-sexual movement gained popularity in the early 1900s as a response to the sexual revolution.