debauch

[dih-bawch]

verb (used with object)

1. to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce.

2. to corrupt or pervert; sully.

   His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money.

3. Archaic.,  to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.

verb (used without object)

1. to indulge in debauchery.

noun

1. a period of wanton or sensual self-indulgence.

2. an uninhibited spree or party; orgy.

   a wild debauch.

debauch

/ dɪˈbɔːtʃ, dɪˈbɔːtʃɪdlɪ /

verb

1. (when tr, usually passive) to lead into a life of depraved self-indulgence

2. (tr) to seduce (a woman)

noun

1. an instance or period of extreme dissipation

Other Word Forms

• debaucher noun
• debauchment noun
• debauchery noun
• debauchedly adverb
• debauchedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debauch¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from French débaucher “to entice away from duty, debauch,” Old French desbauchier “to disperse, scatter,” equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -bauchier, derivative of bauc, bauch beam (from Germanic; balcony, balk; compare French ébaucher “to rough-hew”); hence, presumably, “to hew (beams),” becoming “to split, separate,” becoming “to separate from work or duty”

Word History and Origins

Origin of debauch¹

C16: from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally: to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

"If anyone has lived the debauched rock 'n' roll lifestyle," he once admitted, "I suppose it's me."

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The rock band Motley Crue once described how Osbourne, in a competition to see whose habits were the most debauched, snorted a line of ants from a hotel floor.

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Sylvanian Families has become embroiled in a legal battle with a TikTok creator who makes comedic videos of the children's toys in dark and debauched storylines.

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From their earliest shared Lunchables through debauched bachelorette parties right up to the Golden Girls years, women bond with intensity.

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Over the next two minutes, we find out more about the band's debauched night out.

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