perversion
[per-vur-zhuh n, -shuh n]
- the act of perverting.
- the state of being perverted.
- a perverted form of something.
- any of various means of obtaining sexual gratification that are generally regarded as being abnormal.
- Pathology. a change to what is unnatural or abnormal: a perversion of function or structure.
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Origin of perversion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for perversion
Historical Examples
Perversion is the keynote of all the debased forms of Gnosticism.
Secret Societies And Subversive MovementsNesta H. Webster
Perversion—drinking in excessive quantities; drunkenness; and unquenchable thirst.
Perversion—superstition; witchcraft; and with Cautiousness large, fear of ghosts.
Perversion—excessive fondness for music to the neglect of other things.
Perversion is morbid alteration of function which may occur in emotional, intellectual, or volitional fields.
Applied Psychology for NursesMary F. Porter
perversion
- any abnormal means of obtaining sexual satisfaction
- the act of perverting or the state of being perverted
- a perverted form or usage
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for perversion
n.
late 14c., "action of turning aside from truth, corruption, distortion" (originally of religious beliefs), from Latin perversionem (nominative perversio) "a turning about," noun of action from past participle stem of pervertere (see pervert (v.)). Psychological sense of "disorder of sexual behavior in which satisfaction is sought through channels other than those of normal heterosexual intercourse" is from 1892, originally including homosexuality.
Perversions are defined as unnatural acts, acts contrary to nature, bestial, abominable, and detestable. Such laws are interpretable only in accordance with the ancient tradition of the English common law which ... is committed to the doctrine that no sexual activity is justifiable unless its objective is procreation. [A.C. Kinsey, et.al., "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," 1948]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
perversion
(pər-vûr′zhən)- A practice or act, especially one that is sexual in nature, considered abnormal or deviant.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.