To alter something from its original or intended meaning, use, or state in a wrong or harmful way.
From Latin 'pervertere' where 'per-' (through/thoroughly/wrongly) combines with 'vertere' (to turn) meaning 'to turn thoroughly' or 'to turn wrongly.' The word entered English through Old French 'pervertir,' maintaining the sense of corrupting or misdirecting something from its proper course.
The prefix 'per-' in 'pervert' doesn't just mean turning — it means turning all the way through until you've completely twisted something into its wrong form! It's like 'convert' gone bad: convert changes things properly, but pervert twists them into corruption.
Historically weaponized against women (especially sexual agency, non-conformity) and LGBTQ+ people; used to pathologize and criminalize. Men's sexual transgression was often excused or celebrated, while women's labeled 'perversion.'
Use specific, non-judgmental language: 'deviation,' 'abuse' (for harm), or 'non-consensual.' Avoid 'pervert' as identity slur; it carries severe stigma rooted in sexism and homophobia.
["abuse","violation","deviation","transgression","harmful behavior"]
LGBTQ+ communities reclaim identity language; avoid medical/pejorative framing from discredited psychology. Center consent and harm, not conformity.
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