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debauch
[ dih-bawch ]
/ dɪˈbɔtʃ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
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Origin of debauch
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; see balcony, balk; compare French ébaucher “to rough-hew”); hence, presumably, “to hew (beams),” becoming “to split, separate,” becoming “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
debased, debasement, debaser, debatable, debate, debauch, debauched, debauchee, debaucherous, debauchery, Debbie
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use debauch in a sentence
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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