What Does “Lust after sb” Mean?
“Lust after sb” means to have a strong physical desire or attraction towards someone. It often refers to wanting someone in a romantic or sexual way.
Introduction
The phrase “lust after sb” is a common English expression used to describe intense physical or sexual desire for another person. Here, “sb” stands for “somebody.” Understanding the lust after sb meaning helps learners express attraction or desire clearly in everyday conversations. This phrase is often used in informal or literary contexts and can convey a strong emotional or physical urge. Knowing how to use “lust after sb” correctly can improve your English communication, especially when discussing feelings or relationships.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Lust after somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To feel strong desire or attraction to someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Lust after sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot place an object between “lust” and “after.” The correct pattern is:
- Subject + lust after + somebody
Example: He lusts after his new colleague.
How to Use “Lust after sb”?
Use “lust after sb” when you want to describe strong physical attraction. It typically refers to desire rather than emotional love. This phrase is more intense than simply liking or admiring someone. It is often used in conversations about romantic or sexual feelings, sometimes with a slightly negative or passionate tone.
Examples
Here are some examples of “lust after sb in a sentence” to help you understand its use:
- He couldn’t stop lusting after the actress he saw on TV.
- Many people lust after celebrities because of their fame and looks.
- She knew he was lusting after her, but she wasn’t interested.
- It’s normal to lust after someone you find very attractive.
- They lusted after each other but kept their feelings secret.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse “lust after sb” with similar phrases or misuse the object. Here are examples of incorrect and correct usage:
- Incorrect: He lusts her after.
Correct: He lusts after her. - Incorrect: She lusts after.
Correct: She lusts after him. - Incorrect: They lust after to her.
Correct: They lust after her.
Remember, “lust after” must always be followed directly by the person (somebody) you desire.
Differences / Synonyms
“Lust after sb” is similar to “crave,” “desire,” or “long for,” but it specifically implies a strong physical or sexual attraction. Unlike “admire” or “like,” lust focuses more on physical desire.
- Lust after – strong physical attraction or sexual desire.
- Crave – strong desire, can be for things or people but less about physical attraction.
- Long for – emotional or deep desire, not necessarily physical.
- Admire – respect or like someone’s qualities, not physical desire.
For example, you might admire a teacher but lust after a partner.
Common Collocations
People often use “lust after” with the following objects:
- Someone – a person you desire (e.g., “lust after a colleague”).
- A celebrity – famous people admired for looks or fame.
- A partner – romantic interest or boyfriend/girlfriend.
- A stranger – someone unknown but physically attractive.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of lust after sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “lust after sb”:
Anna: I think Tom really lusts after our new manager.
Ben: Yeah, I noticed that too. He can’t stop talking about her.
Anna: It’s obvious. But I don’t think she feels the same way.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with “lust after” or the correct form:
- He _______ after the actress he met at the party.
- Many people _______ after celebrities because of their fame.
- She doesn’t _______ after him even though he is very attractive.
Answers: lusts, lust, lust
FAQs
- What does “lust after sb” mean? It means to feel a strong physical or sexual desire for someone.
- Is “lust after sb” formal or informal? It is mostly informal and used in everyday speech or writing.
- Can I use “lust after” with things? No, “lust after” is usually used only with people.
- Is “lust after” negative? It can be, as it implies intense desire, sometimes without emotional connection.
- Can I separate “lust” and “after”? No, “lust after” is inseparable; you cannot split the phrase.
