wanton
adjective/noun
Deliberate and unprovoked; lustful or promiscuous; growing profusely; a promiscuous person.
Etymology
From Middle English wantowen "undisciplined," from wan- "lacking" + towen "trained, disciplined," past participle of teon "to train."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The wanton destruction shocked the community."
- 2.
"Wanton growth of weeds overtook the garden."
- 3.
"Critics accused him of wanton disregard for safety."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Wanton originally meant "undisciplined" or "untrained." The sense of deliberate cruelty comes from the idea of acting without moral training or restraint. The sexual meaning is secondary.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 6 letters (W, A, N, T, O, N)
Scrabble Value: 9 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "WANTON" appears in many related words.
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