rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylicentiousSexually unrestrained
adjective

licentious

ly-SEN-shus/laɪˈsenʃəs/

Disregarding accepted moral limits, especially in sexual behavior.

The partygoer's licentious behavior draws disapproving looks while embracing two romantic partners at once.

At an elegant adult party, one fully clothed adult flirtatiously embraces two willing adult partners at once, while formally dressed adult onlookers turn away in disapproval; non-explicit social behavior, no nudity.
Etymology
licentiLatinfreedom, unrestrained liberty
+ousLatinfull of

Here, being “full of liberty” means freedom carried beyond moral restraint. The selected sense applies that excess specifically to sexual behavior.

In context

Geographics speaker8:38
…associated with licentious spectacle and the sex industry.
The Grand Guignol, Paris: Theatre of Horror and Gore
Biographics speaker6:48
weird sex stuff that they were into … he clamped down on licentious behavior and released guidelines for strict morals
Domitian: Power-Hungry Madman? Or Victim of Ancient Propaganda?

More examples

  • Critics condemned the play for its licentious humor.
  • He abandons his licentious lifestyle and settles down.
  • The preacher warns against licentious behavior.

Forms

licentious

licentiousness noun — Disregard for moral limits, especially sexual ones.

licentiously adverb — In a sexually or morally unrestrained way.

Similar words

promiscuous
Often describes multiple sexual partners without implying broader moral disregard.
dissolute
Describes broader moral self-indulgence, often involving excessive drinking as well.