exhibitionism

exhibitionism /ex·hi·bi·tion·ism/ (ek″sĭ-bish´in-izm) a paraphilia marked by recurrent sexual urges for and fantasies of exposing one's genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.

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ex·hi·bi·tion·ism (ks-bsh-nzm)

n.

An abnormal compulsion to expose the genitals with the intent of provoking sexual interest in the viewer.

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exhi·bition·ist n.

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Exhibitionism

Obtaining sexual arousal by exposing genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.

Mentioned in: Sexual Perversions

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exhibitionism

[ek′sibish′əniz′əm]

Etymology: L, exhibere, to exhibit

1 the flaunting of oneself or one's abilities to attract attention.

2 (in psychiatry) a psychosexual disorder that occurs primarily in men in which the repetitive act of exposing the genitals in socially unacceptable situations is the preferred means of achieving sexual excitement and gratification. See also paraphilia, scopophilia. exhibitionist, n.

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Exhibitionism

A paraphilia (usually in men) in which sexuoerotic arousal and orgasm hinges on exposing one’s genitalia to a stranger

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exhibitionism [ek″sĭ-bish´un-izm]

a paraphilia characterized by repeated acts of exposing the genitals to an unsuspecting stranger to achieve sexual excitement, with no attempt at further sexual activity with the stranger. It occurs almost exclusively in males, and in adults it is difficult to correct. It may be resorted to by an individual who is unable for physical or psychologic reasons to gain sexual gratification by normal means. A common cause is a feeling of sexual inadequacy; for this the exposure is a compensation. Exhibitionism may also be a form of masochism in which a feeling of guilt drives the person to behavior for which he knows he will be punished. Psychotherapy is necessary to deal with this type of sexual deviation.

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exhibitionism

Sexology A paraphilia in which sexuoeroticism hinges on exposing the genitalia to a stranger; largely a male thing. Cf Voyeurism.