Promiscuity

Promiscuity

Noun · /ˌprɒmɪˈskjuːɪti/ · the state of having many sexual partners indiscriminately; lack of careful selection

Definition

Promiscuity refers to the practice of engaging in sexual relations with many different partners indiscriminately — without discrimination or commitment. In its broader, non-sexual use, promiscuity means a lack of careful selection or discernment — a promiscuity of sources, of influences, of associations. In both senses the word implies an absence of distinction or selectivity: things or people are taken or given freely and without judgment.

Origin

From Latin promiscuus — mixed, indiscriminate — from pro- (forth) and miscere (to mix). The same root gives miscellaneous and mix. The word originally meant simply mixed or undifferentiated — without special selection. Its narrowing to a predominantly sexual meaning happened gradually in English from the 17th century onward.