Alloerotism

/ˌæloʊˈɛrətɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Sexual or romantic desire and attraction directed toward other persons rather than oneself.

Etymology

From allo- (other) + erotism (from Greek eros, sexual love, + -ism, condition). Developed in 20th-century psychological terminology to describe normal outward-directed sexuality as opposed to narcissism.

Kelly Says

Alloerotism is the psychological term for what most people would just call 'being attracted to someone else'—it contrasts with autoerotic behavior, helping psychologists discuss different patterns of sexual development and desire.

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