I. ˈwȯnt ə n, ˈwän-, -tən adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan wanting, deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tēon — more at wane , tow
1. archaic : lacking discipline : not susceptible to control : unruly
2. : excessively merry or gay : frolicsome
a wanton party
wanton holidays
3. : unchaste , lewd , lustful
wanton books
also : sensual
4. obsolete : given to self-indulgence and the enjoyment of luxury : voluptuous
5.
a. : marked by or manifesting heedless disregard of justice or of the rights, safety, and feelings of others : brutally insolent : merciless , inhumane
wanton victors
wanton cruelty
wanton exercise of power
b. : having no just foundation or real provocation : willfully malicious
a wanton attack
wanton insults
wanton prejudice
6. : being without check or limitation : unrestrained: as
a. : luxuriantly rank
wanton vegetation
b. : unduly lavish : extravagant , prodigal
wanton imagination
wanton speech
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a pampered or overindulged individual ; especially : a spoiled child
2. : an excessively playful or frolicsome child or animal
3. : a person given over to luxurious self-enjoyment : trifler
play the wanton
4. : a lewd or lascivious person
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
1. : to engage in amorous play : dally
2. : to indulge in a continuous carefree or voluptuous mode of living : play the voluptuary
3. : to wallow in unrestrained brutality and cruelty
4. : to be or become excessively free or extravagant (as in growth, expression, or conduct) : luxuriate
5. : to spend time trifling
transitive verb
: to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness
wanton money away