perverted
UK[pəˈvɜːtɪd]US[pərˈvɜːrtɪd]
adj
characterized by abnormal or unacceptable sexual behavior or desires.
adj
(of a person or their actions) corrupting or distorting the original meaning, form, or state of something.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
vert
ed
per
thoroughly
vert
turn
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'perverted' originates from the latin verb 'pervertere', which is a compound of the intensive prefix 'per-' (meaning 'thoroughly') and 'vertere' (meaning 'to turn'). the literal sense was 'to turn thoroughly' or 'to overturn'. this evolved in late latin and old french to carry the figurative meaning of corrupting or distorting something from its proper course or nature. entering english via old french in the late 14th century, it initially described a general deviation from truth or morality, with the specific connotation of sexual deviation solidifying in the 19th century, reflecting a turn away from what is considered natural or acceptable.
Analysis
Structure: per (thoroughly) + vert (turn) + ed (adjective suffix)
per- (latin prefix, meaning 'through, thoroughly'); vert (latin root, from 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'); -ed (english suffix, forming participial adjectives).
Examples
the film was criticized for its perverted and violent content.
he used his considerable intellect to justify his perverted desires.
the report is a perverted interpretation of the original data, designed to mislead the public.