Entry Word: wanton

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society <that novel was once regarded as a wanton tale of forbidden love> — see obscene 1
2 having a strong sexual desire <in an earlier times, novelists usually portrayed wanton women as coming to a bad end> — see lustful
3 having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others <a wanton attack on unarmed civilians> — see cruel 1