deviate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
  2. verb turn aside; turn away from
  3. verb be at variance with; be out of line with

Etymology

From Late Latin dēviātus, perfect passive participle of dēviō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more. Compare French dévier.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pervert, deviant, degenerate

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