# wanton

/ˈwɑntən/ (US) · /wˈɒntən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wanton
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. reckless and cruel

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal

describes an action that is cruel or destructive for no reason at all.

For teachers: deliberate and unprovoked; describing a cruel or violent action that is performed without motive or justification.

- The vandals were blamed for the wanton destruction of the old park benches.
- The report condemned the wanton disregard for human life shown by the retreating forces during the final weeks of the conflict.

Usage: Commonly collocates with 'destruction', 'disregard', or 'violence'.

### 3. luxurious and wild

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a reckless person

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to waste away

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to waste time or money on foolish pleasures.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with the particle 'away'.

## Examples

- The king was known for his cruel wanton.
- The historical novel describes a wanton who caused great suffering to the local villagers.
- The poet's work serves as a grim reminder of the wanton who once ruled the kingdom with absolute and merciless power.

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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.