Wanton

/ˈwɒn.tən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who behaves in a wanton manner; someone who is immoral or lewd.

The wanton was shunned by the community for her scandalous actions.

adjective

Deliberate and unprovoked; recklessly indifferent to the rights or safety of others.

The wanton destruction of the building left the community in shock.

Sexually unrestrained or excessively indulgent.

The novel depicted the wanton behavior of the aristocracy.

Lascivious; lewd.

The wanton glances exchanged between the couple were filled with desire.

Middle English, from Old English 'wanthan', meaning 'to be unrestrained, to be loose'.

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.

Party animal

She’s such a wanton; she goes out every night and never seems to settle down.

Free spirit

He lives life like a wanton, never adhering to any rules or schedules.