debauch
[ dih-bawch ]
/ dɪˈbɔtʃ /
verb (used with object)
to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce.
to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money.
Archaic. to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.
verb (used without object)
to indulge in debauchery.
noun
a period of wanton or sensual self-indulgence.
an uninhibited spree or party; orgy: a wild debauch.
QUIZZES
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What does "scattergood" mean?
a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.
a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.
a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTOrigin of debauch
1585–95; < 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 (< Germanic; see balcony, balk; compare French ébaucher to rough-hew); hence, presumably, to hew (beams) > to split, separate > to separate from work or duty
OTHER WORDS FROM debauch
de·bauch·er, nounde·bauch·ment, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH debauch
debauch debouchWords nearby debauch
debar, debark, debase, debatable, debate, debauch, debauched, debauchee, debaucherous, debauchery, debbie
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for debauch
British Dictionary definitions for debauch
debauch
/ (dɪˈbɔːtʃ) /
verb
(when tr, usually passive) to lead into a life of depraved self-indulgence
(tr) to seduce (a woman)
noun
an instance or period of extreme dissipation
Derived forms of debauch
debauchedly (dɪˈbɔːtʃɪdlɪ), adverbdebauchedness, noundebaucher, noundebauchery or debauchment, nounWord Origin for debauch
C16: from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally: to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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