Perverse

/pərˈvɜrs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable.
His perverse sense of humor often offended people rather than amused them.
Contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice.
The artist’s perverse approach to traditional techniques challenged established norms.
Pervading or marked by a sense of wickedness or immorality.
She was drawn to the perverse thrill of the forbidden.

Etymology

Latin 'perversus', meaning twisted or corrupted.

Common Phrases and Expressions

perverse incentive:
A situation where an incentive leads to undesirable behavior.
perverse logic:
A form of reasoning that is contrary to common sense or conventional thinking.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Twisted or offbeat in a humorous context.
He's got some perverse jokes that always make me laugh.
Suggesting an inappropriate interest in taboo subjects.
Her perverse fascination with horror films is well-known among friends.