pervert
UK/pə'vɜːt/US/pә:'vә:t/
IELTSTOEFLGREC2
Definitions
v.
To corrupt, distort, or misuse something good or proper.
歪曲，败坏；滥用
n.
A person whose sexual behavior is regarded as abnormal or unacceptable.
性变态者
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (thoroughly, astray) + vert (turn) = turn something completely off its proper course. To pervert justice is to twist it away from what is right.
Root vers still carries 91 more wordsUsage Guide
As a verb, pervert is most common in the fixed legal phrase 'pervert the course of justice.' The noun (a pervert) is a strong insult tied to sexual deviance — keep the two senses well apart in mind, as the noun is offensive while the verb is neutral/formal.
Example Sentences
- 1.
They accused officials of trying to pervert the course of justice.
- 2.
Propaganda can pervert the meaning of ordinary words.