wanton

American  

[won-tn] / ˈwɒn tn /

adjective

1. done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiably.

   a wanton attack; wanton cruelty.

   Synonyms:

   malicious

2. deliberate and without motive or provocation; uncalled-for; headstrong; willful.

   Why jeopardize your career in such a wanton way?

   Synonyms:

   calculated

3. without regard for what is right, just, humane, etc.; careless; reckless.

   a wanton attacker of religious convictions.

   Synonyms:

   inconsiderate, heedless

   Antonyms:

   considerate, careful

4. sexually lawless or unrestrained; loose; lascivious; lewd.

   wanton behavior.

   Synonyms:

   lustful, concupiscent, libidinous, immoral, dissolute, licentious

   Antonyms:

   restrained

5. extravagantly or excessively luxurious, as a person, manner of living, or style.

   Synonyms:

   lavish

   Antonyms:

   restrained

6. luxuriant, as vegetation.

7. Archaic.

   1. sportive or frolicsome, as children or young animals.

   2. having free play.

      wanton breezes; a wanton brook.

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noun

1. a wanton or lascivious person, especially a woman.

verb (used without object)

1. to behave in a wanton manner; become wanton.

verb (used with object)

1. to squander, especially in pleasure (often followed byaway ).

   to wanton away one's inheritance.

   Synonyms:

   waste

wanton British  

/ ˈwɒntən /

adjective

1. dissolute, licentious, or immoral

2. without motive, provocation, or justification

   wanton destruction

3. maliciously and unnecessarily cruel or destructive

4. unrestrained

   wanton spending

5. archaic playful or capricious

6. archaic (of vegetation, etc) luxuriant or superabundant

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noun

1. a licentious person, esp a woman

2. a playful or capricious person

verb

1. (intr) to behave in a wanton manner

2. (tr) to squander or waste

Other Word Forms

• unwanton adjective
• wantonly adverb
• wantonness noun

Etymology

Origin of wanton

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English wantowen, literally, “undisciplined, ill-reared,” Old English wan- “not” + togen, past participle of tēon “to discipline, rear,” cognate with German ziehen, Latin dūcere “to lead”; akin to tow ¹

Example Sentences

"I am appalled by the RSF's endless and wanton disregard for civilian life," he said.

From BBC

When the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled in September 2023, TV chef and Hairy Biker Si King was among those devastated by the wanton destruction.

From BBC

Mr Goozee, who handed each of them a 12-month community order, said the pair had committed "an act of wanton vandalism".

From BBC

He values skill, graciousness, and intellect and detests wanton corruption — especially when it touches him or someone he cares about.

From Salon

Lawyers for Ms Vince, 50, said her ex-husband, 63, had been giving away their matrimonial assets in a "wanton and reckless" fashion.

From BBC

Related Words

• arbitrary
• gratuitous
• needless
• senseless
• unjust
• unjustifiable
• unjustified
• unprovoked
• vicious
• willful