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debauch

verb
de·​bauch | \ di-ˈbȯch How to pronounce debauch (audio) , -ˈbäch, dē-\
debauched; debauching; debauches

Definition of debauch

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a archaic : to make disloyal
b : to seduce from chastity notorious for debauching young women
2a : to lead away from virtue or excellence debauched by ambition factory methods … debauched Victorian design — Country Life
b : to corrupt by intemperance or sensuality debauched poets a debauched society

debauch

noun

Definition of debauch (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or occasion of extreme indulgence in sensuality or carnal pleasures : an act or occasion of debauchery
2 : orgy a debauch of pleasure
Other Words from debauch Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about debauch

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Other Words from debauch

Verb

debaucher noun

Choose the Right Synonym for debauch

Verb

debase, vitiate, deprave, corrupt, debauch, pervert mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity. commercialism has debased the holiday vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect. a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences. the claim that society is depraved by pornography corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity. the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence. the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal. perverted the original goals of the institute

Examples of debauch in a Sentence

Verb

 the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew to the point where they no longer acted like naval professionals

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 His voice is chirpy-thin, making his stories of debauched after-hours excess sound like child’s play. — New York Times, "Post Malone and Rae Sremmurd, Hip-Hop Impressionists Shaping the Stream," 9 May 2018 Given this is a bachelorette party, though, her activities are sure to be slightly more debauched — perhaps something fun with vaginal jade eggs? — Amanda Arnold, The Cut, "Gwyneth Paltrow Is Reportedly Heading to Mexico For Her Bachelorette Party," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'debauch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of debauch

Verb

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for debauch

Verb and Noun

Middle French debaucher, from Old French desbauchier to scatter, disperse, from des- de- + bauch beam, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balko beam — more at balk

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More from Merriam-Webster on debauch

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for debauch

Spanish Central: Translation of debauch

Nglish: Translation of debauch for Spanish Speakers

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