prurience 1. Having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc. 2. Causing lasciviousness or lust. 3. Having a restless desire or longing. 4. Etymology: from 1630–40; Latin prurient-; from Latin prurire, 'to itch.' Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1768/