— wantonly , adv. — wantonness , n.
/won"tn/ , adj.
1. done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiably: a wanton attack; wanton cruelty.
2. deliberate and without motive or provocation; uncalled-for; headstrong; willful: Why jeopardize your career in such a wanton way?
3. without regard for what is right, just, humane, etc.; careless; reckless: a wanton attacker of religious convictions.
4. sexually lawless or unrestrained; loose; lascivious; lewd: wanton behavior.
5. extravagantly or excessively luxurious, as a person, manner of living, or style.
6. luxuriant, as vegetation.
7. Archaic.
a. sportive or frolicsome, as children or young animals.
b. having free play: wanton breezes; a wanton brook.
n.
8. a wanton or lascivious person, esp. a woman.
v.i.
9. to behave in a wanton manner; become wanton.
v.t.
10. to squander, esp. in pleasure (often fol. by away ): to wanton away one's inheritance.
[ 1250-1300; ME wantowen lit., undisciplined, ill-reared, OE wan- not + togen ptp. of teon to discipline, rear, c. G ziehen, L ducere to lead; akin to TOW 1 ]
Syn. 1. malicious. 2. calculated. 3. heedless, inconsiderate. 4. licentious, dissolute, immoral, libidinous, concupiscent, lustful. 5. lavish. 10. waste.
Ant. 3. careful, considerate. 4, 5 . restrained.