debauch

[ dih-bawch ]
/ dɪˈbɔtʃ /

verb (used with object)

to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce.
to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money.
Archaic. to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.

verb (used without object)

to indulge in debauchery.

noun

a period of wanton or sensual self-indulgence.
an uninhibited spree or party; orgy: a wild debauch.

Origin of debauch

1585–95; < French débaucher to entice away from duty, debauch, Old French desbauchier to disperse, scatter, equivalent to des- dis-1 + -bauchier, derivative of bauc, bauch beam (< Germanic; see balcony, balk; compare French ébaucher to rough-hew); hence, presumably, to hew (beams) > to split, separate > to separate from work or duty

OTHER WORDS FROM debauch

de·bauch·er, noun de·bauch·ment, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH debauch

debauch debouch

Example sentences from the Web for debauch

British Dictionary definitions for debauch

debauch
/ (dɪˈbɔːtʃ) /

verb

(when tr, usually passive) to lead into a life of depraved self-indulgence
(tr) to seduce (a woman)

noun

an instance or period of extreme dissipation

Derived forms of debauch

debauchedly (dɪˈbɔːtʃɪdlɪ), adverb debauchedness, noun debaucher, noun debauchery or debauchment, noun

Word Origin for debauch

C16: from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally: to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin