perverse

[per-vurs]

adjective

1. willfully determined or disposed to go counter to what is expected or desired; contrary.

   Synonyms: disobedient, contumacious
   Antonyms: agreeable

2. characterized by or proceeding from such a determination or disposition.

   a perverse mood.

3. wayward or cantankerous.

4. persistent or obstinate in what is wrong.

   Synonyms: headstrong, stubborn
   Antonyms: tractable

5. turned away from or rejecting what is right, good, or proper; wicked or corrupt.

   Synonyms: sinful, bad, evil

perverse

/ pəˈvɜːs /

adjective

1. deliberately deviating from what is regarded as normal, good, or proper

2. persistently holding to what is wrong

3. wayward or contrary; obstinate; cantankerous

4. archaic,  perverted

Other Word Forms

• perversely adverb
• perverseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perverse¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, Middle French pervers, “wicked, unnatural,” from Latin perversus “facing the wrong way, askew,” past participle of pervertere “to turn around, overturn”; pervert

Word History and Origins

Origin of perverse¹

C14: from Old French pervers, from Latin perversus turned the wrong way

Synonym Study

See willful.

Example Sentences

“It creates this really perverse incentive for every plant to claim they want to retire,” said Michael Goggin, executive vice president of Grid Strategies.

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What a perverse outcome that would be for Catholic Charities, after its thundering 9-0 victory in America’s highest court.

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The Israeli government, which has called the program “pay for slay,” said it created a perverse incentive for militants to launch attacks against Israelis.

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Rather than reduce healthcare costs, the law has created perverse incentives that have decreased market competition and supercharged spending growth.

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The Jewish Leadership Council, which works to protect British Jews, said in a statement that it was “perverse” that fans visiting the U.K. were banned because the police couldn’t guarantee their safety.

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Related Words

• contradictory 
• wicked