I. pər-ˈvərt transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French purvertir, pervertir, from Latin pervertere to overturn, corrupt, pervert, from per- thoroughly + vertere to turn — more at per- , worth
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right : corrupt
b. : to cause to turn aside or away from what is generally done or accepted : misdirect
2.
a. : to divert to a wrong end or purpose : misuse
b. : to twist the meaning or sense of : misinterpret
Synonyms: see debase
• per·vert·er noun
II. ˈpər-ˌvərt noun
Date: circa 1661
: one that has been perverted ; specifically : one given to some form of sexual perversion