Eros

noun

ˈer-ˌäs

ˈir-

1

: the Greek god of erotic love compare cupid

2

: the sum of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as impulses to gratify basic needs, as sublimated impulses, and as impulses to protect and preserve the body and mind compare death instinct

3

a

: love conceived by Plato as a fundamental creative impulse having a sensual element

b

often not capitalized : erotic love or desire

Examples of Eros in a Sentence

dedicated to the poet's lover, the sonnet has eros as its theme

Word History

Etymology

Greek Erōs, from erōs sexual love; akin to Greek erasthai to love, desire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Eros was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Eros.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Eros. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

Eros

noun

ˈe(ə)r-ˌäs

ˈi(ə)r-

: the sum of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as impulses to gratify basic needs (as sex), as sublimated impulses motivated by the same needs, and as impulses to protect and preserve the body and mind

called also life instinct

compare death instinct

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