First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
perverse
adjective per·verse \(ˌ)pər-ˈvərs, ˈpər-ˌ\
: wrong or different in a way that others feel is strange or offensive
Full Definition of PERVERSE
1
2
a : obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted : wrongheaded b : arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy
3
: marked by peevishness or petulance : cranky
4
: marked by perversion
— per·verse·ly adverb
— per·verse·ness noun
— per·ver·si·ty \pər-ˈvər-sə-tē, -stē\ noun
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Origin of PERVERSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French purvers, pervers, from Latin perversus, from past participle of pervertere
Related to PERVERSE
Synonym Discussion of PERVERSE
contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>.
PERVERSE Defined for Kids
perverse
adjective per·verse \pər-ˈvərs\
Definition of PERVERSE for Kids
1
: stubborn in being against what is right or sensible
2
: wrong especially in a way that is strange or offensive
Medical Dictionary
perverse
adjective per·verse \pər-ˈvərs\
Medical Definition of PERVERSE
: being, relating to, or characterized by perversion <perverse sexual behavior>
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