Here are some synonyms of "wanton" and an analysis of each:
1. Lascivious
- Meaning: "Lascivious" means having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire. It implies a lewd and immoral way of thinking or behaving in a sexual context. For example, "The lascivious behavior of the man made the people around him uncomfortable." It emphasizes the immoral and often blatant nature of the sexual impulse.
- Usage: This word is usually used to describe people's actions, looks, or remarks that have a strong sexual undertone and are considered inappropriate and offensive. It's a rather strong and condemnatory term, often found in legal or moral discussions about sexual harassment or immoral behavior.
2. Lewd
- Meaning: "Lewd" refers to behavior, language, or images that are crude and sexually offensive. It has a sense of vulgarity and a lack of propriety in sexual matters. For example, "The lewd jokes told at the party were not suitable for a family gathering." It focuses on the crudeness and offensiveness of the sexual content.
- Usage: Commonly used to describe speech, gestures, or any form of expression that is sexually inappropriate. It's a more general term than "lascivious" and can apply to a wide range of behaviors and content that involve sexual impropriety.
3. Licentious
- Meaning: "Licentious" means lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct. It implies a disregard for the usual moral and social norms regarding sexual behavior. For example, "The licentious lifestyle of the aristocracy was a subject of scandal." It emphasizes the freedom from moral constraints and the indulgence in immoral sexual activities.
- Usage: Used to describe a person's overall lifestyle or a group's behavior that is characterized by a lack of sexual morality. It's a more formal term and is often used in a historical or literary context to describe immoral behavior that goes against the values of a society.
4. Dissolute
- Meaning: "Dissolute" means having loose morals and indulging in immoral activities, including excessive drinking, gambling, and promiscuous behavior. It implies a self - indulgent and immoral way of life. For example, "The dissolute habits of the young heir were a cause for concern among his family." It has a broader meaning than just sexual immorality and can cover other vices as well.
- Usage: Used to describe a person's character or lifestyle that is marked by a lack of self - discipline and moral values. It's often used in a critical context to express disapproval of someone's immoral and self - destructive behavior.
5. Debauched
- Meaning: "Debauched" means corrupted by self - indulgence and immoral behavior. It implies a state of moral decay due to excessive and immoral pleasures. For example, "The debauchery of the partygoers was evident from their wild behavior." It emphasizes the corrupt and immoral nature of the behavior, often associated with overindulgence in pleasures such as drinking, drugs, and sex.
- Usage: Used to describe a group or an individual who engages in immoral and self - indulgent activities to an extreme degree. It's a strong word that conveys a sense of moral condemnation and is often used in a context of criticizing a hedonistic and immoral lifestyle.