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Definition of perversion - 6 dictionary results

per⋅ver⋅sion

  [per-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn]
Use perversion in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of perverting.
2. the state of being perverted.
3. a perverted form of something.
4. any of various means of obtaining sexual gratification that are generally regarded as being abnormal.
5. Pathology. a change to what is unnatural or abnormal: a perversion of function or structure.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L perversiōn- (s. of perversiō). See perverse, -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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per·ver·sion   (pər-vûr'zhən, -shən)   
n.  
    1. The act of perverting.
    2. The state of being perverted.
  2. A sexual practice or act considered abnormal or deviant.
per·ver'sive (-sĭv, -zĭv) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Perversion

Per*ver"sion\, n. [L. perversio: cf. F. perversion. See Pervert.] The act of perverting, or the state of being perverted; a turning from truth or right; a diverting from the true intent or object; a change to something worse; a turning or applying to a wrong end or use. "Violations and perversions of the laws." --Bacon.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : perversion
Spanish: perversión,
German: die Verdrehung,
Japanese: ねじまげ
More Translations »

perversion 
1388, "action of turning aside from truth, corruption, distortion" (originally of religious beliefs), from pervert (v.) (q.v.). Psychological sense of "disorder of sexual behavior in which satisfaction is sought through channels other than those of normal heterosexual intercourse" is from 1892, originally including homosexuality.
"Perversions are defined as unnatural acts, acts contrary to nature, bestial, abominable, and detestable. Such laws are interpretable only in accordance with the ancient tradition of the English common law which ... is committed to the doctrine that no sexual activity is justifiable unless its objective is procreation." [A.C. Kinsey, et.al., "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," 1948]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: per·ver·sion
Pronunciation: p&r-'v&r-zh&n, -sh&n
Function: noun
1 : the action of perverting or thecondition of being perverted
2 : an aberrant sexual practice especially when habitual and preferred to normal coitus
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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perversion per·ver·sion (pər-vûr'zhən, -shən)
n.
A practice or act, especially one that is sexual in nature, considered abnormal or deviant.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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