debauch
[dih-bawch]
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.
Origin 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
Synonyms for debauch
1. See debase.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for debaucher
Historical Examples of debaucher
The desires of a drunkard, a debaucher, are as strong after death as before.
Ghosts I Have SeenViolet Tweedale
For he is said to be the debaucher of the wives of others; he is the shameless lover and ravisher of a beautiful boy.
The City of God, Volume IAurelius Augustine
What surprises me yet more is, that some would believe that Socrates was a debaucher of young men!
Happily they found not that pernicious bane which is alike the corrupter of private morals and the debaucher of nations.
The Knight of the Golden MeliceJohn Turvill Adams
debauch
verb
noun
Word 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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debauch
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper