wanton

adjective

wan·ton | \ ˈwȯn-tᵊn

, ˈwän-

Definition of wanton

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : merciless, inhumane wanton cruelty

b : having no just foundation or provocation : malicious a wanton attack

2 : being without check or limitation: such as

a : unduly lavish : extravagant wanton imagination

b : luxuriantly rank wanton vegetation

3a : lewd, bawdy

b : causing sexual excitement : lustful, sensual

4a : playfully mean or cruel : mischievous

b archaic : hard to control : undisciplined, unruly

wanton

noun

Definition of wanton (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling —used especially in the phrase play the wanton

b : a lewd or lascivious person

2 : a pampered person or animal : pet especially : a spoiled child

3 : a frolicsome child or animal

wanton

verb

wantoned; wantoning; wantons

Definition of wanton (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to be wanton or act wantonly (see wanton entry 1)

transitive verb

: to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness

Other Words from wanton Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about wanton

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Other Words from wanton

Adjective

wantonly adverb

wantonness \ ˈwȯn-tᵊn-nəs

, ˈwän- \ noun

Verb

wantoner noun

Examples of wanton in a Sentence

Adjective

No artist should be subjected to this much wanton affection: it's unseemly, like being hugged by a stranger who won't let go. — James Wolcott, New Republic, 30 Aug. 2004 I also wrote that innocent people would die as a consequence of the wanton, lawless destruction of medical stocks in a dirt-poor country. — Christopher Hitchens, Nation, 31 May 1999 While I was happy to find Mr. Pollan firmly allied with those of us who oppose the wanton broadcast of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers on lawn and garden, I wish he had lingered a little longer over this vital subject. — Maxine Kumin, New York Times Book Review, 9 June 1991 Vandals were guilty of the wanton destruction of the school property. They were accused of wanton cruelty toward animals. He showed a wanton disregard for his friend's feelings. a life of wanton luxury

Noun

He practiced the anathema he would hurl at her from his pulpit when her shame was known—hussy, slut, harlot and wanton featured heavily … — James A. Michener, Texas, 1985 During the middle years of their marriage … his campaign to free his bride so that she could become a wanton had languished. — Andrew M. Greeley, Ascent into Hell, 1983 My informal education had begun the afternoon in Belleville Park when I discovered that girls were wantons willing to sneak away to shaded glades to be kissed. — Russell Baker, Growing Up, 1982

Verb

It might well be, said Mrs McNab, wantoning on with her memories; they had friends in eastern countries; gentlemen staying there, ladies in evening dress; she had seen them once through the dining-room door all sitting at dinner. — Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse, 1927 … for Nature here / Wantoned as in her prime and played at will / Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. — John Milton, Paradise Lost, 1667

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

On Friday, a 15-year-old Louisville boy was charged with possession of a handgun by a minor and wanton endangerment in the incident. — Savannah Eadens, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky State Fair's new policy on unaccompanied minors has a loophole, raises questions," 23 Aug. 2019 By the 1950s, wanton slaughter of wild burros in California’s desert and mountains had reached such proportions that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pressed for legislation to protect the creatures from trigger-happy hunters. — Los Angeles Times, "More than 40 wild burros slaughtered in the Southern California desert; reward offered," 23 Aug. 2019 Instead of falling silent at this wanton display of official sadism, the democracy movement soon flared into a full-fledged armed rebellion. — Brian Stewart, National Review, "For Sama: A Chronicle of the Syrian Tragedy," 10 Aug. 2019 The family's suit is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, alleging negligence, willful and wanton conduct, assault, battery, false arrest and emotional distress. — Erik Ortiz, NBC News, "12-year-old boy sitting on bed shot in knee during police raid, lawsuit says," 9 Aug. 2019 Thompson and 18-year-old Makayla Marie Casey, of Clarksville, were indicted on charges of complicity to murder, impersonating a police officer, assault, burglary, robbery and wanton endangerment, according to court documents. —

wanton

Definition of wanton

Other Words from wanton

Synonyms & Antonyms for wanton

Examples of wanton in a Sentence

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