wanton

Advancedzipf 2.86

Pronunciation

/ˈwɒntən/(WON-tun)

Part of speech

adjectiveformal

Chinese

① 肆意的；恣意的（不顾后果） ② 放荡的

Definition

(1) Deliberate and unprovoked; recklessly cruel or destructive. (2) Sexually immoral (archaic).

Word family

  • wantonly/ˈwɒntənli/(adv)肆意地
  • wantonness/ˈwɒntənnəs/(n)放纵

Collocations

  • wanton destruction
  • wanton violence
  • wanton disregard
  • wanton cruelty

Examples

  1. 1.The bombing caused wanton destruction of civilian infrastructure. (deliberate and needless)
  2. 2.His wanton disregard for safety put everyone at risk. (reckless, without care)

Synonyms

  • gratuitous/ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs/— unnecessary, uncalled for
  • reckless/ˈrɛkləs/— without caution
  • deliberate/dɪˈlɪbərət/— intentional

Etymology

from Middle English "wantowen" = undisciplined — "wan-" (lacking) + "towen" (trained) — untrained, undisciplined