Perverted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perverted

[pəˈvɜːtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inappropriate behavior

Characterized by abnormal and unacceptable sexual behavior; deviant.

Synonyms

corrupt, depraved, sick, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perverted

Used to describe behavior that is considered morally wrong or sexually deviant.

  • His perverted interests made many uncomfortable.
  • The book explores perverted fantasies.
depraved

Describes someone who has morally bad behavior and lacks any sense of ethics, often used in extreme cases.

  • The depraved criminal showed no remorse for his actions.
  • The movie depicts a depraved society.
corrupt

Describes someone who is dishonest or engages in bribery, often in a political or social context.

  • The corrupt official was finally caught.
  • The system is so corrupt that change seems impossible.
twisted

Describes behavior or thoughts that are seen as unusually strange and morally wrong, often with a sense of abnormality.

  • He has a twisted sense of humor.
  • The plot of the horror movie was truly twisted.
sick

Used informally to describe something that is morally wrong or evil. It can also describe someone who is mentally disturbed.

  • That's a sick idea!
  • His sick fascination with violence is troubling.

Examples of usage

  • He was fired for making perverted comments to his coworkers.
  • She found his perverted jokes offensive and disrespectful.
  • The movie depicted a perverted character with disturbing thoughts.
  • His perverted actions made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The perverted behavior of the man shocked the community.
Context #2 | Adjective

distorted meaning

Showing a deliberate and unacceptable departure from what is normal or standard.

Synonyms

distorted, manipulated, misrepresented, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perverted

This word has a strong negative connotation and is commonly used to describe something that has been morally corrupted or turned to an improper use. It often implies a sense of sexual deviancy.

  • His perverted sense of humor made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The original message of the book was perverted by some readers to justify unethical behavior.
distorted

Generally used to describe something that has been altered or changed from its original form, often in a way that makes it look strange or incorrect. It can apply to physical objects, data, facts, or perceptions.

  • The funhouse mirrors distorted our reflections.
  • Her voice sounded distorted over the broken phone line.
twisted

Used both literally and figuratively, it can mean something physically bent out of its original shape or something that has been changed in a way that gives a misleading impression. Often used to describe morally corrupt or strange behavior.

  • The car looked twisted after the collision.
  • He had a twisted sense of justice that no one could understand.
misrepresented

This word has a negative meaning and is used when someone or something is described in a false or inaccurate way. It often suggests that this false representation is intended to deceive or mislead.

  • The salesman misrepresented the quality of the product.
  • Her statements were misrepresented in the media report.
manipulated

Often used when talking about someone or something that has been controlled or influenced, usually in a deceptive or unfair way. It can refer to people, data, situations, or emotions.

  • He manipulated the statistics to hide the truth from the public.
  • She felt manipulated into making a decision she was not comfortable with.

Examples of usage

  • The perverted interpretation of the text led to confusion.
  • His perverted logic made it difficult to follow his argument.
  • Her perverted understanding of the situation caused problems.
  • The perverted version of events distorted the truth.
  • The perverted use of statistics misled the public.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In the field of psychology, 'perversion' can refer to a deviation from accepted sexual norms or practices.
  • Some theories suggest that behaviors labeled as perverted might arise from underlying trauma or anxiety.
  • Often, what is considered perverted varies significantly between cultures.

Culture

  • In popular films and literature, 'perverted' characters often challenge societal norms, raising questions about morality.
  • Censorship debates frequently address content deemed perverted, reflecting cultural attitudes toward sexuality and freedom of expression.
  • Different subcultures may embrace what is commonly considered perverted, creating spaces where these behaviors are normalized.

Legal

  • In some legal contexts, the term is used in discussions about deviant sexual behavior, particularly when it involves consent issues.
  • Laws surrounding obscenity often use the term to define certain acts that are socially unacceptable.
  • Legal definitions can greatly differ between countries, affecting how 'perverted' behaviors are treated under the law.

Literature

  • Classic literature, such as Dostoevsky's works, often explores themes of moral ambiguity, raising questions about what it means to be perverted.
  • Contemporary authors sometimes use 'perverted' characters to symbolize societal decay or critique cultural norms.
  • The term frequently appears in narratives discussing the complexities of human desire and taboo.

Origin of 'perverted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pervertere', meaning 'to turn away' or 'to corrupt'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to someone who had turned away from the truth.
  • Over time, it evolved to also describe sexual behavior considered abnormal.

The word 'perverted' originated from the Latin word 'pervertere', which means 'to overthrow' or 'to subvert'. Over time, the meaning of 'perverted' evolved to describe behavior that deviates from what is considered normal or acceptable, especially in terms of sexual behavior. The word has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to actions or thoughts that are abnormal or immoral.


See also: perverse, perversity, perverter.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,392, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.