perverse

adjective per·verse \(ˌ)pər-ˈvərs, ˈpər-ˌ\

: wrong or different in a way that others feel is strange or offensive

Full Definition of PERVERSE

a : turned away from what is right or good : corrupt

b : improper, incorrect

c : contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law <perverse verdict>

a : obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted : wrongheaded

b : arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy

: marked by peevishness or petulance : cranky

: marked by perversion

— per·verse·ly adverb

— per·verse·ness noun

— per·ver·si·ty \pər-ˈvər-sə-tē, -stē\ noun

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Origin of PERVERSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French purvers, pervers, from Latin perversus, from past participle of pervertere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PERVERSE

Synonyms: choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, peevish, irritable, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snarky, snippety, snippy, stuffy, testy, waspish

Antonyms: pure, uncorrupt, uncorrupted

Synonym Discussion of PERVERSE

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>.