Dictionary

1debauch

verb de·bauch \di-ˈbch, -ˈbäch, dē-\

Definition of DEBAUCH

transitive verb
1
a archaic :  to make disloyal
b :  to seduce from chastity
2
a :  to lead away from virtue or excellence
b :  to corrupt by intemperance or sensuality
de·bauch·er noun
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Origin of DEBAUCH

Middle French debaucher, from Old French desbauchier to scatter, disperse, from des- de- + bauch beam, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balko beam — more at balk
First Known Use: 1595

Synonym Discussion of DEBAUCH

debase, vitiate, deprave, corrupt, debauch, pervert mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity <commercialism has debased the holiday>. vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect <a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship>. deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences <the claim that society is depraved by pornography>. corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity <the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language>. debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence <the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew>. pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal <perverted the original goals of the institute>.

2debauch

noun

Definition of DEBAUCH

1
:  an act or occasion of debauchery
2
:  orgy

First Known Use of DEBAUCH

1603

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