debauchery

American  

[dih-baw-chuh-ree] / dɪˈbɔ tʃə ri /

noun

debaucheries plural

1. excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance.

2. Archaic. seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue.

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Usage

What does debauchery mean? Debauchery is behavior considered excessively decadent, indulgent, and depraved. It’s especially used to collectively refer to drug use, excessive drinking, promiscuous sex, and the kind of uninhibited activity that happens at wild parties. Debauchery has traditionally been used in a negative way by those who condemn it as immoral or sinful. But it is also used in a somewhat ironic way by those who engage in such activity to celebrate it or make it seem fun. Example: Hair metal bands in the ’80s were notorious for their backstage debauchery.

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• debaucheries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of debauchery

First recorded in 1635–45; debauch + -ery

Explanation

Debauchery is a noun meaning crazy partying and wild nights, usually accompanied by a lot of alcohol. So you probably don't want to engage in any kind of debauchery the night before an exam. Debauchery is all about indulging in some of life's pleasures — overindulging, in fact. It stems from the Middle French word debaucher, which means to “entice from work or duty.” So imagine workers being tempted from another day at the office by the promise of a wild bender in Vegas. Or college kids putting down the books and heeding the siren call of the frat party downstairs.

Related Words

• revelry
• seduction