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

• 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

Spaces that seem most interested in the permissiveness of perversion. —Hazlitt, 25 June 2025

Enter the wannabe patriot dealing with some perversion of the psyche. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 June 2025

That's a perversion of the separation of powers and the role of an independent Justice Department. —Ryan Lucas, NPR, 19 May 2025

These opposition movements shared one common goal: exposing the fallacies of the communist perversion of truth. —Andrew Nagorski, Foreign Affairs, 30 Nov. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

14th 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