cavorted
|ca-vort-ed|
🇺🇸
/kəˈvɔrt/
🇬🇧
/kəˈvɔːt/
(cavort)
excited movement
Etymology
'cavort' originates from early modern English usage influenced by words meaning 'leap' or 'prance', likely related to French/Italian terms such as 'capriole' (Italian 'capriolare'), where 'capra' meant 'goat'.
'cavort' in English (mid-17th century onward) was influenced by words like French/Italian 'capriole' (a leaping movement) and English 'caper'; these senses of leaping and frolicking developed into the modern verb 'cavort' and its past form 'cavorted'.
Initially, related words evoked 'leaping like a goat' or a capering movement; over time the sense broadened to 'prance, frolic, romp' and in colloquial use also gained senses of raucous, wanton, or sexually playful behavior.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'cavort': to leap, prance, or romp about in a lively, playful, or joyful way.
The children cavorted in the sprinkler all afternoon.
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Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'cavort': to behave in a sexually playful, wanton, or extravagant way (often used figuratively about people socializing or behaving indiscreetly).
Reporters accused the celebrities of cavorted with entourages at the scandal-plagued gala.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 19:56