What does perverting mean?
“Perverting” means causing something to become corrupt, distorted, or morally wrong. It can refer broadly to undermining a process or principle, as in “perverting the course of justice,” or to leading someone away from accepted moral standards. The word also has a more specific association with abnormal sexual behavior, though this sense may sound formal or judgmental. In general use, “perverting” carries a strongly negative connotation: it suggests turning something away from its intended, proper, or beneficial course. The word is especially associated with legal, political, literary, and moral discussion. Its history is broad in origin, applying originally to turning or directing something in a wrong direction, before developing its modern moral and sexual associations.
To cause corruption, distortion, or moral deviation; to turn something away from its proper course.
"The editor accused the advertisement of perverting public discussion."
Often used in formal, legal, political, or moral contexts; “pervert justice” is an especially established expression.
To engage in or be characterized by abnormal sexual behavior or desires.
"The film depicts a society that has perverted ordinary sexual relationships."
This sense can sound judgmental and may be more common in literary, legal, or clinical discussion than in casual speech.
Perverting originally meant turning something away from its proper course; its modern associations with sexual misconduct are only one branch of that broader idea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perverting come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb pervertere, formed from per- “forward” or “thoroughly” and vertere “to turn.” In Latin, it could mean to turn forward, overturn, or direct something improperly. English borrowed the root through French and Old English usage, where “pervert” developed meanings such as corrupt, distort, or turn away from what is proper. The verb “pervert” is the base form from which the present participle “perverting” is formed.
Related word forms
How perverting is actually used
The word is generally more common in formal, serious, or moralizing contexts than in everyday neutral speech. In legal and political language, “pervert justice” or “perverting justice” commonly means obstructing or distorting the course of justice. Its sexual sense may be judgmental and is sometimes considered old-fashioned.
Easily confused with perverting
As a verb, “pervert” refers to the act of corrupting or distorting something, while “perverting” is its present-participle form.
“Prevert” is an uncommon or obsolete spelling and is not normally used in modern English.