Wanton

Quick meaning: Wanton is an adjective meaning Lewd, immoral; sexually open, unchaste.

Meaning

Lewd, immoral; sexually open, unchaste.

More Meanings

1. Capricious, reckless of morality, justice etc.; acting without regard for the law or the well-being of others; gratuitous.
2. A pampered or coddled person.
3. An overly playful person; a trifler.
4. A self-indulgent person, fond of excess.
5. (archaic) Undisciplined, unruly; not able to be controlled.
6. (obsolete) Playful, sportive; merry or carefree.
7. (archaic) Extravagant, unrestrained, excessive.

Example Sentences

As Flies to wanton Boyes are we to th' Gods, / They kill us for their sport.

Edward himself, now thoroughly enlightened on her character, had no scruple in believing her capable of the utmost meanness of wanton ill-nature.

I know I ought never to have dreamt of sending that valentine—forgive me, sir—it was a wanton thing which no woman with any self-respect should have done.

Several cases of serious wanton damage have occurred on the new electric trains on the Manchester-Bury line of the London Midland Region during recent weeks.

Word Forms

• wantoner
• wantonest
• wantons
• wantoning
• wantoned

Synonyms for wanton

Depending on context, synonyms include anarchic, bratty, chaotic, difficult, dionysiac, dionysian.

Antonyms for wanton

Common opposites include apollonian, constrained, disciplined, inhibited, repressible, restrained.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include unmotivated, unprovoked, easy, luxuriate, motiveless, loose.

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