Main Entry: ¹wan·ton

Pronunciation: \ˈwȯn-t^ən, ˈwän-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tēon — more at tow

Date: 14th century

1 a archaic : hard to control : undisciplined, unruly b : playfully mean or cruel : mischievous
2 a : lewd, bawdy b : causing sexual excitement : lustful, sensual
3 a : merciless, inhumane <wanton cruelty> b : having no just foundation or provocation : malicious <a wanton attack>
4 : being without check or limitation: as a : luxuriantly rank <wanton vegetation> b : unduly lavish : extravagant <wanton imagination>

— wan·ton·ly adverb

— wan·ton·ness \-t^ən-nəs\ noun