Perhaps it's a bit unusual to write a blog with the purpose of asking a question about a definition, but I'm going to do it: What exactly is voyeurism? What's crucial to understanding it? I was confused in class when we talked about it, but I was too embarrassed to ask. However, looking at even recent posts on the blog that use the term make me realize that I am still confused, and I'm not sure if my definition differs from others'.

Wikipedia says voyeurism is "a practice in which an individual derives sexual pleasure from observing other people.” Other definitions I've found seem a bit unclear on how sex is involved; is it necessary in voyeurism for the viewer to derive sexual pleasure, or can he/she just watch a sexual act?