wantonness

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the trait of lacking restraint or control; reckless freedom from inhibition or worry
noun the quality of being lewd and lascivious

From Middle English wantonnesse, wantonesse, wantounesse, wantownesse, equivalent to wanton + -ness.

Consider, he lies not out of wantonness." — The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade, Herman Melville
‘Friend!’ said he, ‘weariness is teaching thee wantonness. — Complete Short Works of George Meredith, George Meredith
But what wantonness is it to commend lust! — Cicero's Tusculan Disputations: Also, Treatises On The Nature Of The Gods, And On The Commonwealth, Marcus Tullius Cicero

abandon, unconstraint

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