A twisting or changing of something from its original purpose or meaning into something wrong or harmful; misuse or corruption.
From Latin 'pervertere,' from 'per-' (thoroughly) plus 'vertere' (to turn). Literally means 'to turn away from' or 'to turn thoroughly in the wrong direction.'
The word 'perversion' reminds us that many words originally meant something physical or concrete—'turning'—but then got used for ideas and values, showing how abstract thinking builds on concrete language like building blocks.
Perversion historically pathologized women's sexuality, same-sex desire, and any non-procreative sexuality as diseased. The term embedded medical/religious moral panic into everyday language.
Avoid for consensual adult practices. Use only in historical analysis of how language was weaponized. Prefer 'non-normative sexuality' if clinical accuracy needed, or respect individuals' self-descriptions.
["non-normative sexuality","alternative sexuality","non-conventional practice"]
Feminist and queer scholars reclaimed 'perverse' as pride; however, the original term was used to criminalize women and LGBTQ+ people. Use sparingly and only in reclamation contexts.
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