Word
perversion
Phoneticsper·ver·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈvɝʒən/
UK/pəvˈɜːʃən/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The perversion of the law led to a lot of unfair arrests.”
contextual
“The committee investigated the perversion of public funds by the former director.”
complex
“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.”
Etymology
From Latin perversio, from pervertere (“corrupt”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/perversion