/ ˈwɒntən; NAmE ˈwɑːn-; ˈwɔːn-/ adjective ( formal )
1.
[ usually before noun ] causing harm or damage deliberately and for no acceptable reason :
wanton destruction
a wanton disregard for human life
2.
( old-fashioned , disapproving ) ( usually of a woman ) behaving in a very immoral way; having many sexual partners
► wan·ton·ly adverb
► wan·ton·ness noun [ U ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English wantowen rebellious, lacking discipline , from wan- badly + Old English togen trained (related to team and tow ).