pornography

Pronunciation: /pɔɹˈnɑ.ɡɹə.fi/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire

Etymology

From French pornographie, from Ancient Greek πορνογράφος (pornográphos), from πορνεία (porneía, “fornication, prostitution”) + γράφω (gráphō, “to depict”).

In classic literature

Scott leaned over to view a set of graphic photographs that would have caused the Meese Commission on Pornography to double dose on its Geritol. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
There are several important social movements, however, such as the crusades against alcoholism and pornography, the revival of co-operation and the demand for the erection of “People’s Palaces”—known as Solidarités—which are entirely due to the activities of this school. — A history of economic doctrines : $b from the time of the physiocrats to the present day, Charles Gide

Synonyms

porno, porn, erotica, smut

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms): creation
Narrower (hyponyms): child pornography

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