Definition of Perverse

1. Adjective. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict. "Took perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans"

Similar to: Negative
Derivative terms: Perverseness

2. Adjective. Resistant to guidance or discipline. "Wayward behavior"
Exact synonyms: Contrary, Obstinate, Wayward
Similar to: Disobedient
Derivative terms: Contrariness, Perverseness, Perversity

3. Adjective. Deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or good. "The reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat"
Exact synonyms: Depraved, Perverted, Reprobate
Similar to: Corrupt
Derivative terms: Depravity, Perverseness, Perversity, Reprobate

Definition of Perverse

1. a. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.

Definition of Perverse

1. Adjective. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the (morally) right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted. ¹

2. Adjective. Obstinately in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence, wayward; vexing; contrary. ¹

3. Adjective. (context: legal of a verdict) Ignoring the evidence or the judge's opinions. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Perverse

1. willfully deviating from desired or expected conduct [adj]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Perverse

pervaporating
pervaporation
pervasion
pervasions
pervasive
pervasive development disorder
pervasive developmental disorder
pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified
pervasive developmental disorders
pervasively
pervasiveness
pervasivenesses
perve
perved
pervenous pacemaker
perverse (current term)
perversed
perversedly
perversely
perverseness
perversenesses
perverser
perversions
perversities
perversity
perversive
pervertable

Literary usage of Perverse

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Works of John Locke, in Nine Volumes by John Locke (1824)
"You tell us, " such as are not madmen or idiots, or desperately " perverse and obstinate." Very well, but who are those desperately perverse and obstinate, ..."

2. A Treatise on the Law of New Trials in Cases Civil and Criminal by David Graham, Thomas Whitney Waterman (1855)
"Rendering a perverse verdict. was brought up to receive his sentence, ... Rendering a perverse verdict. When a jury render a perverse verdict, ..."

3. Who's who in America by John William Leonard, Albert Nelson Marquis (1903)
"which psychologists may be able to explain, that a large number of people di dain to answer by rule, and seem to be actuated by the same perverse spirit th ..."

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