perversion

noun

per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
-shən
1
: the action of perverting : the condition of being perverted
2
: a perverted form
especially : an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual

Examples of perversion in a Sentence

They fought against perversion of the health-care system. claimed that rap and rock music were responsible for the perversion of the nation's young people
Recent Examples on the Web Spanish officials also accused Vives of criminal conspiracy, fraud and perversion of justice and are currently seeking a six year prison sentence for the executive. Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 19 Sep. 2024 And this cultural extortion, rooted in naïve ghetto socialism — a perversion of the civil-rights heritage — plants a worrisome notion. Armond White, National Review, 11 Oct. 2024 In short, the idea that financialization may be not a perversion of capitalism but the next stage in its evolution seems to be a little too uncomfortable for Kocka to fully consider. Mark Blyth, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2016 The easy thing would be to call it a total perversion of a great artist, but Monet made bright, oddly bleakish moments something of a specialty. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perversion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perversion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perversion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perversion

Cite this Entry

“Perversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perversion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

perversion

noun
per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
1
a
: the action of perverting
b
: the state of being perverted
2
: abnormal sexual behavior

Medical Definition

perversion

noun
per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən, -shən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
1
: the action of perverting or the condition of being perverted
2
: an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual

More from Merriam-Webster on perversion

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