The present participle of 'debauch'; engaging in excessive indulgence in alcohol, food, or other pleasures, or leading someone to do so.
From Old French 'debaucher,' likely from 'de-' and 'bauche' (work or workshop), originally meaning to lead astray from work. The meaning shifted to general excessive indulgence.
The original meaning was literally about seducing workers away from their jobs—imagine telling your employees they're 'debauching' themselves by partying instead of working, and you see how the word evolved.
Gerund form carrying gendered judgment. In historical literature, 'debauching' of women marks loss of virginity/purity; of men marks temporary moral failing.
Describe specific behaviors: 'excessive drinking,' 'sexual coercion,' etc. Avoid umbrella term that obscures actual harm.
["engaging in excess","coercing","manipulating"]
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