perverse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict
    • took perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans
  2. adjective satellite resistant to guidance or discipline
    wayward; obstinate; contrary.
    • Mary Mary quite contrary
    • an obstinate child with a violent temper
    • a perverse mood
    • wayward behavior
  3. adjective satellite deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or good
    depraved; reprobate; perverted.
    • depraved criminals
    • a perverted sense of loyalty
    • the reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat

WordNet

Per*verse" adjective
Etymology
L. perversus turned the wrong way, not right, p.p. of pervertereto turn around, to overturn: cf. F. pervers. See Pervert.
Definitions
  1. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.
    The only righteous in a word perverse. Milton.
  2. Obstinate in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence, wayward; vexing; contrary.
    To so perverse a sex all grace is vain. Dryden.
    Syn. -- Froward; untoward; wayward; stubborn; ungovernable; intractable; cross; petulant; vexatious. -- Perverse, Froward. One who is froward is capricious, and reluctant to obey. One who is perverse has a settled obstinacy of will, and likes or dislikes by the rule of contradiction to the will of others.

Webster 1913