Meaning & Definition of word "Wanton"
to
Wanton
/ˈwɒn.tən/
noun:
- 1. A person who behaves in a wanton manner; someone who is immoral or lewd.
- Example: The wanton was shunned by the community for her scandalous actions.
adjective:
- 1. Deliberate and unprovoked; recklessly indifferent to the rights or safety of others.
- Example: The wanton destruction of the building left the community in shock.
- 2. Sexually unrestrained or excessively indulgent.
- Example: The novel depicted the wanton behavior of the aristocracy.
- 3. Lascivious; lewd.
- Example: The wanton glances exchanged between the couple were filled with desire.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'wanthan', meaning 'to be unrestrained, to be loose'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wanton disregard:
A complete lack of concern for rules or consequences.
wanton violence:
Violence that is deliberate and unprovoked.
wanton act:
An action that is done maliciously or without justification.
Related Words
wantonness:
The quality of being unrestrained or excessive.
wantonly:
In a manner that is unrestrained or reckless.
Slang Meanings of wanton
Meaning: Party animal
Example Sentence: She’s such a wanton; she goes out every night and never seems to settle down.
Meaning: Free spirit
Example Sentence: He lives life like a wanton, never adhering to any rules or schedules.