perversion

[ per-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

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.

perversion

/ 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

Other Words From

• nonper·version noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perversion¹

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

Example Sentences

Under Lynch’s guidance, the underlying strangeness of Dune was able to thrive in all of its beauty and perversion.

From Time

The film falls squarely in that stretch of years when Hollywood had fallen under the heel of the Production Code, which, starting in 1934 forbade, among other obscenities, “any inference of sex perversion.”

From Washington Blade

Perversion is morbid alteration of function which may occur in emotional, intellectual, or volitional fields.

From Project Gutenberg

Perversion, misuse and abuse of our human powers should give us cause enough to be ashamed.

From Project Gutenberg

Perversion—prolixity, repetition, and excessive amplification.

From Project Gutenberg

Perversion—drinking in excessive quantities; drunkenness; and unquenchable thirst.

From Project Gutenberg

Perversion—superstition; witchcraft; and with Cautiousness large, fear of ghosts.

From Project Gutenberg