noun
rake
A man who pursues pleasure without regard for moral restraint.
The novel's wealthy rake pursues pleasure without regard for others.
Etymology
Rake shortens rakehell, an older name for a dissolute person. It preserves that association with pleasure pursued without moral restraint.
More examples
- She refused to trust the charming rake.
- Several rakes appeared in the satirical play.
- The character abandoned his life as a rake.
Forms
rake · rakes
Similar words
- libertine
- Libertine emphasizes disregard for sexual convention.
- philanderer
- Philanderer specifically emphasizes casual sexual relationships.