debauchery

[dih-baw-chuh-ree]

noun

plural

debaucheries 

1. excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance.

2. Archaic.,  seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of debauchery¹

First recorded in 1635–45; debauch + -ery

Example Sentences

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.

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Ozzy Osbourne has somehow made it through decades of drink, drugs and debauchery - not to mention jail, life-threatening accidents and Parkinson's disease - but is now preparing to perform for devoted fans one last time.

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Frank Frank continues his debauchery and gives up his sobriety for good.

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But he was also deeply controversial - and, by his own admission, an "aggressive and reckless man", routinely accused of promoting vulgarity, debauchery and violence through his music.

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Even with the debauchery and depravity so vividly portrayed by Wambaugh, unsung acts of goodwill and tenderness emerge through the blue fog.

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Related Words

• revelry 
• seduction 

When To Use

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.