voyeur

A voyeur is a person who derives sexual arousal from watching others who are naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity, usually without the subjects' knowledge or consent. The term is commonly associated with non-consensual surveillance, but it can also describe consensual activities between adults conducted in private. In clinical contexts, voyeurism may be discussed as a paraphilic interest or disorder when persistent and distressing or impairing.

Etymology: The word originates from the French voir, “to see,” with voyeur meaning “one who sees.” In English, it has long been used to describe those who observe for arousal, as well as more generally to denote a person who watches others secretly, a usage that has appeared in literature and film.

Legally and clinically: Legally, non-consensual voyeurism—such as spying through windows or recording others without consent—can constitute invasion of privacy, harassment, or sexual offense, depending on jurisdiction. Clinically, voyeuristic disorder is listed in diagnostic manuals as a paraphilia when arousal is recurrent, intense, and associated with distress or impairment, or when acted upon with non-consenting persons. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, pharmacological approaches to reduce sexual drive; management emphasizes safety and consent.

Cultural portrayal and related terms: Voyeurism has appeared in literature and cinema, often framed as a cautionary or lurid motif. The archetype of the “Peeping Tom” exemplifies non-consensual watching. Related terms include peeping, spying, and surveillance, and discussions of voyeurism intersect with debates about privacy, consent, and media portrayals of sexuality.