verb / noun
debauch
dih-BAWCH/dɪˈbɔtʃ/
Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
The diners are exhausted by their debauch of food and wine.
Etymology
Enticing people away from work or duty became leading them away from virtue, especially through sensual pleasure. The French verb's deeper origin is uncertain, so the suggested beam or workshop imagery is not a secure explanation.
More examples
- He regrets the money he wasted on a weekend debauch.
- They debauch themselves with strong liquor and lavish feasts.
- The memoir describes the costly debauches that ruined his health.
Forms
debauch · debauches · debauched · debauching
debauchery noun — Excessive indulgence in drinking and other sensual pleasures.
debauched adjective — Given to excessive drinking and sensual pleasure.
Similar words
- binge
- Emphasizes excessive consumption, especially of food or alcohol.
- orgy
- Often specifies group sexual activity rather than sensual excess generally.