perversion
n. C1 Advanced US //pɝˈvɝʒən// UK //pəvˈɜːʃən// per·ver·sion
n. the act of using something in a way that is wrong or harmful. It can also describe a person who behaves in a way that is considered very immoral.
n. the misuse or distortion of something for an improper or harmful purpose. In a psychological context, it refers to a sexual preference or behavior considered deviant by societal standards.
The perversion of the law led to a lot of unfair arrests.
The committee investigated the perversion of public funds by the former director.
The novel explores the psychological perversion of a man who, in his quest for power, begins to see his enemies as mere obstacles to be destroyed.
From Latin perversio, from pervertere (“corrupt”).