Vocabulary Spotlight
Debauch
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To corrupt morally or lead someone away from virtue, often through excessive indulgence in pleasure.
“The villain in the story tried to debauch the youth with promises of wealth and power.”
Pronunciation
[dih-bawch]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Degrade
Defile
Seduce
Pervert
Antonyms
Uplift
Ennoble
Sanctify
Refine
Related Words
Debauched (adjective)
Debauching (verb)
Word Origin
The word “debauch” traces back to the French “débaucher,” which originally meant to entice or lead away from work. Over time, it took on a meaning of moral corruption or leading into indulgence.
Word Family
Noun: Debauchery – Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
Adjective: Debauched – Morally corrupted or indulging in excess.
Verb: Debauching – The act of leading someone into excess or corruption.
Mnemonics
Think of “Debauch” as “De + Batch” – a batch of poor choices, leading to moral corruption.
Another mnemonic: Imagine someone “debating” morality but choosing indulgence instead.
Industry-specific Usage
Psychology
In psychology, debauchery may refer to behavioral indulgences that lead to addiction or social issues.
History
Historically, rulers or societies that engaged in debauchery often fell due to moral and social decay.
Literature
In literature, debauchery is often used to illustrate moral decline or the corrupting power of excess.
In Context
Debauch is often used in moral contexts to indicate a slide into excess or vice. In social discussions, it can describe behavior that leads to community harm or degradation of values. In the arts, debauchery is a common theme when depicting society’s moral collapse.