Definition of perverse

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< pervasive developmental disorder

perversion >

per·verse    (pr-vûrs, pûrvûrs) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Directed away from what is right or good; perverted.
2. Obstinately persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn.
3. 1. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict.
   2. Arising from such a disposition.
4. Cranky; peevish.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English pervers, from Old French, from Latin perversus, past participle of pervertere, to pervert ; see pervert

OTHER FORMS:
per·versely(Adverb), per·verseness(Noun)