# perversion

/pɝˈvɝʒən/ (US) · /pəvˈɜːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perversion
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.