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

/ dɪˈbɔːtʃɪdlɪ; dɪˈbɔːtʃ /

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

Derived Forms

• deˈbauchery, noun
• deˈbaucher, noun
• deˈbauchedness, noun
• debauchedly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·baucher noun
• de·bauchment 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

The French House is an iconic Soho watering hole, scene of many an artistic, theatrical or literary debauch.

From The Daily Beast

This marked a new stage in the family's financial progress; and as usual it was signalized by a grand debauch in bill-paying.

From Project Gutenberg

The debauch of the previous night laid the foundation of disease, from which Charles never recovered.

From Project Gutenberg

There, as he had expected, the men were waiting in ominous silence, their eyes red with debauch and hate.

From Project Gutenberg

We sat in the smoking-room, and having divided the plug we had a grand debauch.

From Project Gutenberg

This debauch of capital and credit has sent a poison circulating through the veins of the Nation.

From Project Gutenberg