perversion

American  

[per-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn] / pərˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən /

noun

1. the act of perverting.

2. the state of being perverted. perverted.

3. a perverted perverted form of something.

4. any of various means of obtaining sexual gratification that are generally regarded as being abnormal.

5. Pathology. a change to what is unnatural or abnormal.

   a perversion of function or structure.

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perversion British  

/ pəˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. any abnormal means of obtaining sexual satisfaction

2. the act of perverting or the state of being perverted

3. a perverted form or usage

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Other Word Forms

• nonperversion noun

Etymology

Origin of perversion

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin perversiōn- (stem of perversiō ). See perverse, -ion

Example Sentences

Redford derided not only crookedness, but the perversion of procedure and hard work that resulted in the privileged mounting their success on the backs of others.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2025

Advocates say the technology simply takes the principle of efficient pricing to its logical extreme; critics say it’s unfair, discriminatory and a perversion of free-market capitalism.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

He described the handling of the Alan Bates court case as "a perversion of the course of justice".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2024

Mawlawi last year took a decision to ban events "promoting sexual perversion" in Lebanon, understood to refer to LGBT-friendly gatherings.

From Reuters • Aug. 10, 2023

Nestor in the grip of parem had seemed like a perversion of everything she loved about her power.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo