debauch

¹de·bauch

transitive verb \di-ˈbȯch, -ˈbäch, dē-\

Definition of DEBAUCH

1

a archaic : to make disloyal

b : to seduce from chastity

2

a : to lead away from virtue or excellence

b : to corrupt by intemperance or sensuality

— de·bauch·er noun

Examples of DEBAUCH

1. <the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew to the point where they no longer acted liked naval professionals>

Origin of DEBAUCH

Middle French debaucher, from Old French desbauchier to scatter, disperse, from des- de- + bauch beam, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balko beam — more at balk

First Known Use: 1595

Related to DEBAUCH

Synonyms

abase, bastardize, canker, cheapen, corrupt, debase, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, deteriorate, lessen, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, vitiate, warp

Antonyms

elevate, ennoble, uplift

Related Words

befoul, begrime, contaminate, defile, dilute, dirty, pollute, taint, thin, water down, weaken; descend; disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, take down; blemish, damage, deface, destroy, flaw, harm, hurt, impair, mar, ruin, spoil, stain, tarnish, wreck; depreciate, downgrade

Near Antonyms

dignify, exalt, honor; ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, improve, meliorate, perfect; clarify, clean, cleanse, purify, refine, restore; respect

See Synonym Discussion at debase

²debauch

noun

Definition of DEBAUCH

1

: an act or occasion of debauchery

2

: orgy

First Known Use of DEBAUCH

1603