Definition of pervert

< perversity

perverted >

per·vert    (pr-vûrt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
per·vert·ed, per·vert·ing, per·verts

1. To cause to turn away from what is right, proper, or good; corrupt.
2. To bring to a bad or worse condition; debase.
3. To put to a wrong or improper use; misuse. See Synonyms at corrupt.
4. To interpret incorrectly; misconstrue or distort: an analysis that perverts the meaning of the poem.

NOUN:
(pûrvûrt)

One who practices sexual perversion.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English perverten, from Old French pervertir, from Latin pervertere : per-, per- + vertere, to turn; see wer-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
per·verter(Noun), per·verti·ble(Adjective)