Debauchery: meaning, definitions and examples

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debauchery

 

[ dɪˈbɔːtʃəri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a social setting

Debauchery refers to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, often involving immoral behavior such as excessive drinking, drug use, or promiscuity. It is characterized by a lack of restraint and moral principles.

Synonyms

excess, indulgence, licentiousness.

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Word Description / Examples
debauchery

Debauchery is used when referring to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, often with a negative connotation implying a loss of moral integrity or self-control.

  • The weekend party turned into an event of sheer debauchery, with people drinking excessively and behaving recklessly

Examples of usage

  • His reputation for debauchery preceded him wherever he went.
  • The party descended into debauchery as the night wore on.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In historical contexts, debauchery was often associated with the behavior of a tyrant or despot who indulged in excessive and immoral activities, leading to the downfall of their rule.

Synonyms

immorality, excess, decadence.

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Word Description / Examples
debauchery

Use this word to describe wild, excessive partying or indulgence in sensual pleasures, suggesting a sense of wild or immoral behavior.

  • The weekend was filled with debauchery, as the group indulged in nonstop partying and revelry.
  • The novel depicted a life of debauchery, where the protagonist constantly sought out new pleasures.

Examples of usage

  • The debauchery of the king was a key factor in the revolution.
  • The court was known for its debauchery and excesses.

Translations

Translations of the word "debauchery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devassidão

🇮🇳 भ्रष्टाचार

🇩🇪 Ausschweifung

🇮🇩 kebejatan

🇺🇦 розпусту

🇵🇱 rozpusta

🇯🇵 堕落

🇫🇷 débauche

🇪🇸 depravación

🇹🇷 sefahat

🇰🇷 방탕

🇸🇦 فساد

🇨🇿 zneužívání

🇸🇰 zhýralosť

🇨🇳 荒淫

🇸🇮 razvratnost

🇮🇸 siðleysi

🇰🇿 азғындық

🇬🇪 გარყვნილება

🇦🇿 əxlaqsızlıq

🇲🇽 depravación

Etymology

The word 'debauchery' has its roots in the Middle French word 'debaucher', which means to lead astray or entice from duty. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning of excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. The concept of debauchery has been explored in various forms of literature and art, often as a cautionary tale against the dangers of unchecked hedonism.

See also: debauched, debauchee, debaucher.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,771, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.