Langimage
English

pervert

|per/vert|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈpɜːrvɜːrt/

🇬🇧

/ˈpɜːvɜːt/

distorting or corrupting

Etymology
Etymology Information

'pervert' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pervertere,' where 'per-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'vertere' meant 'to turn.'

Historical Evolution

'pervertere' transformed into the Old French word 'pervertir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pervert' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to turn thoroughly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to corrupt or distort.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person whose sexual behavior is considered abnormal or unacceptable.

The police arrested the pervert lurking in the park.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to alter something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

He tried to pervert the course of justice.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41