de·bauch
(dĭ-bôch′)v. de·bauched, de·bauch·ing, de·bauch·es
v.tr.1. a. To corrupt morally. See Synonyms at
corrupt.
b. To seduce (someone).
2. To reduce the value, quality, or excellence of; debase: debauch a currency.
3. Archaic To cause to forsake allegiance.
v.intr. To indulge in dissipation.
n.1. The act or a period of debauchery.
2. An orgy.
[French débaucher, from Old French desbauchier, to lead astray, roughhew timber : des-, de- + bauch, beam, of Germanic origin.]
de·bauch′ed·ly (-bô′chĭd-lē) adv.
de·bauch′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.