perversion

noun

per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
-shən
1
: the action of perverting : the condition of being perverted
2
: a perverted form
especially : an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual

Examples of perversion in a Sentence

They fought against perversion of the health-care system. claimed that rap and rock music were responsible for the perversion of the nation's young people
Recent Examples on the Web Qualified immunity is a creation of the courts and a perversion of our justice system. The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2024 But the tragedy of the Apollo’s exit — martyred at the hands of glowering Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Lundgren) in a Cold War perversion of Joe Louis’ matchup with German champ Max Schmeling — was thrilling in a more primordial way, like a comic book answer to Shakespeare or the Greeks. Vulture, 4 Feb. 2024 But Pasolini understood the spiritual agony of perversion and transcended it. Armond White, National Review, 13 Dec. 2023 Phoenix, per usual, throws his entire self into his performance, but nominating it in the musical or comedy category feels like the final perversion for a movie that delighted in them. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 11 Dec. 2023 Hello, unexpectedly riveting perversion of endless potential. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2023 The few moments of simulated tenderness, representing a seductive young woman luring marks to their doom, are perversions of sensuality. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023 She was born a Muslim and became an atheist — as anyone might do after living under a perversion of religion. Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 20 Nov. 2023 Critics call these claims a perversion of the law’s original intent. Julian Mark, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perversion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perversion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perversion

Cite this Entry

“Perversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perversion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perversion

noun
per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
1
a
: the action of perverting
b
: the state of being perverted
2
: abnormal sexual behavior

Medical Definition

perversion

noun
per·​ver·​sion pər-ˈvər-zhən, -shən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
1
: the action of perverting or the condition of being perverted
2
: an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual

More from Merriam-Webster on perversion

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