English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

pervert

PUH-vuht

Pervert (noun) means a person whose sexual behavior or interests are considered abnormal or unacceptable. Example: “The police arrested a pervert who had been following women home.”

noun
1
A person whose sexual behavior or interests are considered abnormal or unacceptable.
"The police arrested a pervert who had been following women home."
verb
1
To corrupt or distort something from its original or proper purpose.
"Bribing a witness is an attempt to pervert the course of justice."

How to use pervert

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs a verb, to twist something away from its proper or intended use; as a noun, someone with deviant sexual behavior.

When to use it

The noun sense is a strong, judgmental label — use carefully.

Common pairings
pervert the course of justice pervert justice

Word forms

perverted past tense, perverts plural, perverts singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “pervert” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The police arrested a _____ who had been following women home.

Etymology

From Old French pervertir, from Latin pervertere ("to turn about, overturn, corrupt"), from per- ("thoroughly") + vertere ("to turn").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of pervert?

"pervert" (noun) means a person whose sexual behavior or interests are considered abnormal or unacceptable.

What is another word for pervert?

Other words for "pervert" include adulterate, corrupt, debauch, demoralize, detort, file.

What is the opposite of pervert?

Opposites of "pervert" include fortify, moralize, purify, rectify, reform, set aright.

What are the different meanings of pervert?

"pervert" has 2 main meanings: 1. A person whose sexual behavior or interests are considered abnormal or unacceptable; 2. To corrupt or distort something from its original or proper purpose.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial