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
Explanation
Debauchery is a noun meaning crazy partying and wild nights, usually accompanied by a lot of alcohol. So you probably don't want to engage in any kind of debauchery the night before an exam. Debauchery is all about indulging in some of life's pleasures — overindulging, in fact. It stems from the Middle French word debaucher, which means to “entice from work or duty.” So imagine workers being tempted from another day at the office by the promise of a wild bender in Vegas. Or college kids putting down the books and heeding the siren call of the frat party downstairs.
Vocabulary lists containing debauchery
Mardi Gras: Fun
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The Stranger
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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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.
“Something a little more wholesome than the debauchery of downtown,” says John Ingram, chairman of the Ingram Industries conglomerate and owner of the pro-soccer team Nashville SC.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
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 • Dec. 3, 2024
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 • Oct. 4, 2023
However, the non-stop debauchery coupled with the physically strenuous shows soon took a toll on all the Gladiators.
From Salon • Jun. 30, 2023
Dubbed the nation’s most eligible bachelor, Vanderbilt eschewed the debauchery that would have tempted other men fresh out of their teens and into a bottomless bank account.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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.
