debauchery
Americannoun
plural
debaucheries-
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance.
-
Archaic. seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue.
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.
Etymology
Origin of debauchery
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After decades of debauchery and an untold number of conceptions, revelers at Burning Man celebrated a rare birth at Black Rock City on Wednesday morning, after a festivalgoer unexpectedly went into labor on the Playa.
From Los Angeles Times
Even with the debauchery and depravity so vividly portrayed by Wambaugh, unsung acts of goodwill and tenderness emerge through the blue fog.
From Los Angeles Times
Sager said he’s gratified Hunter will remain present in his children’s lives and hoped that even critics will see Hunter’s admitted debauchery as a blip in an upstanding life.
From Los Angeles Times
Some students were saved from debauchery when school officials colored in a pair of pants on the goblin.
From Seattle Times
Yet, despite the agonizing debauchery and hedonism spewing from movies, TV and music, recent events and proclamations from mainstream stars show just how brilliantly light can break through even the darkest corners of our culture.
From Washington Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
