pervert
UK[pəˈvɜːt]US[pərˈvɜːrt]
v
To change something from its original purpose, meaning, or state to a wrong or unnatural one.
v
To lead someone away from what is considered right, natural, or acceptable, especially in sexual behavior.
n
A person whose sexual behavior is considered abnormal and unacceptable.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
vert
per
through, thoroughly
vert
to turn
Etymology
The word "pervert" originates from the Latin pervertere, a compound of per- ("thoroughly") and vertere ("to turn"). The literal sense was "to turn thoroughly" or "to overturn." This entered Middle English via Old French, initially carrying the meaning of corrupting a person's faith or principles, of "turning them thoroughly" from the right path. Over time, the semantic focus narrowed, applying the concept of a fundamental and wrongful turning away from the natural order primarily to matters of doctrine and, most prominently in modern usage, to sexual norms.
Analysis
Structure: per (through, thoroughly) + vert (to turn)
- per: A Latin prefix meaning "through," "thoroughly," or "to destruction." It functions as an intensifier.
- vert: From the Latin verb vertere, meaning "to turn." It functions as the core root indicating a change of direction or state.
Examples
The politician was accused of using public funds to pervert the course of justice.
He argued that the film's adaptation completely perverted the original message of the book.
The judge described the defendant as a dangerous sexual pervert.