What does libertine mean?
A libertine is someone who rejects conventional moral restraint, especially the limits associated with sexual behavior or responsible conduct. Used as a noun, it denotes a person who pursues pleasure without regard for social or moral consequences; used as an adjective, it describes people, lifestyles, attitudes, and works characterized by that disregard. The word is generally negative and often suggests a mixture of indulgence, recklessness, and moral arrogance. Although it may sometimes describe someone who challenges convention, it is not a neutral term for an unconventional person. Its history is closely connected to liberty: the word originally referred to a freed person and later acquired its modern sense of unrestrained or dissolute conduct. In modern usage, libertine is relatively uncommon outside literary, historical, and critical discussion, but it remains vivid for describing someone whose freedoms have become excessive or irresponsible.
A person who disregards moral restraint, especially someone regarded as sexually dissolute or excessively given to pleasure.
"The scandalous libertine was renowned for his affairs and his contempt for convention."
Usually disapproving; often literary or historical.
Characterized by disregard for conventional morality or by excessive sensual indulgence.
"They condemned the libertine lifestyle of the court."
The adjective is typically critical and may suggest sexual excess, moral laxity, or irresponsible behavior.
Used when referring to one or more people who reject moral restraint or pursue dissolute behavior.
"The novel depicts several libertines who evade the consequences of their behavior."
A libertine claims freedom as a philosophy—but the word usually suggests freedom without responsibility.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libertine come from?
The word comes through French from Latin libertinus, originally meaning a freedman or someone released from bondage. Latin libertinus was derived from libertas, meaning freedom or liberty. The English word entered use in the early 17th century and gradually developed its modern association with immorality and disregard for moral restraint.
Related word forms
How libertine is actually used
The word is usually critical or disapproving and is more common in literary, historical, and formal contexts than in everyday conversation. It can refer broadly to immorality, but it often carries a suggestion of sexual indiscretion.
Easily confused with libertine
A libertine rejects moral restraint, whereas a liberal generally favors individual freedom, open-mindedness, or progressive social ideas.
Licentious describes excessive sexual or sensual behavior, while a libertine is a person characterized by such behavior or by rejection of moral restraint.