blue-balled

Arousal without release

Blue-balled describes the state of being left sexually aroused without release.

The term comes from "blue balls," the uncomfortable sensation men reportedly experience from prolonged arousal without orgasm.

By extension, it applies to any situation where anticipation builds toward something that never arrives: The season finale blue-balled us with that cliffhanger.

Sometimes hyphenated, sometimes not.

figurative

letdown

Failure to satisfy expectations

undelivered · buildup · expectation · tease · disappointment · strung along · waiting · unfulfilled · dangled · bait-and-switch

sexual

frustrated

Annoyed by obstacles

unfulfilled · edged · left hanging · pent-up · worked up · turned on · rejected · unsatisfied · cockblocked · anticipation

Opposites
sexual release

blue-balledsatisfied

Having enough, wanting nothing

satiated · relieved · fulfilled · climaxed · gratified

expectation fulfillment

blue-balledsatisfied

Having enough, wanting nothing

gratified · fulfilled · rewarded · completed · paid off

Family

blue, ball, balled, balls, bluer, bluest, bluish, blues, blued

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated R