perversion

noun

per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən 

-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

Synonyms of perversion

• degradation
• corruption
• corruptness
• dissoluteness

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

Or at least something rendering with enough clarity to make an ordinary perversion be seen in a new light? — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Its technological perversions, unfortunately, end up quite mundane. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026

Politicians and preachers denounced them for blasphemy, perversion, and their loud support for civil rights. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2026

The leprous, lascivious body was a perversion that Western proselytizing could fix. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perversion

• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• incursion
• inversion
• recursion
• reversion

Kids Definition

perversion

noun

per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən 

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 

1

: the action of perverting or the condition of being perverted

2

: an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual