wanton

C2 · Proficiency Literary

adj. growing or living in a wild, uncontrolled, and rich way.

adj. profuse, luxuriant, or unrestrained in growth or appearance.

“The garden was full of wanton weeds that covered the stone paths.”

“The poet described the wanton growth of the vines as they strangled the crumbling ruins of the abbey.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Literary

n. a person who behaves in a wild, uncontrolled, or immoral way.

n. a person who is self-indulgent, lewd, or behaves without restraint.

“He was known as a young wanton who spent all his money on parties.”

“The moralists of the time decried him as a heartless wanton who cared little for his family's reputation.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to waste time or money on foolish pleasures.

v. to squander or waste something, especially time or resources, in a reckless or self-indulgent manner.

“He chose to wanton away his inheritance on expensive cars and travel.”

“Rather than focusing on his studies, he preferred to wanton away his youth in the taverns of the city.”