wanton

No artist should be subjected to this much wanton affection: it's unseemly, like being hugged by a stranger who won't let go. —James Wolcott, New Republic, 30 Aug. 2004

I also wrote that innocent people would die as a consequence of the wanton, lawless destruction of medical stocks in a dirt-poor country. —Christopher Hitchens, Nation, 31 May 1999

While I was happy to find Mr. Pollan firmly allied with those of us who oppose the wanton broadcast of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers on lawn and garden, I wish he had lingered a little longer over this vital subject. —Maxine Kumin, New York Times Book Review, 9 June 1991

Vandals were guilty of the wanton destruction of the school property.

They were accused of wanton cruelty toward animals.

He showed a wanton disregard for his friend's feelings.

a life of wanton luxury

He practiced the anathema he would hurl at her from his pulpit when her shame was known—hussy, slut, harlot and wanton featured heavily … —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985

During the middle years of their marriage … his campaign to free his bride so that she could become a wanton had languished. —Andrew M. Greeley, Ascent into Hell, 1983

My informal education had begun the afternoon in Belleville Park when I discovered that girls were wantons willing to sneak away to shaded glades to be kissed. —Russell Baker, Growing Up, 1982

It might well be, said Mrs McNab, wantoning on with her memories; they had friends in eastern countries; gentlemen staying there, ladies in evening dress; she had seen them once through the dining-room door all sitting at dinner. —Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse, 1927

… for Nature here / Wantoned as in her prime and played at will / Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. —John Milton, Paradise Lost, 1667