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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- perverts
- Third person singular
- perverts
- Past tense
- perverted
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.
