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de·bauch

(dĭ-bôch)

v. de·bauched, de·bauch·ing, de·bauch·es

v.tr.

a. To corrupt morally. See Synonyms at corrupt.

b. To seduce (someone).

2. To reduce the value, quality, or excellence of; debase: debauch a currency.

3. Archaic To cause to forsake allegiance.

v.intr.

To indulge in dissipation.

1. The act or a period of debauchery.

2. An orgy.

[French débaucher, from Old French desbauchier, to lead astray, roughhew timber : des-, de- + bauch, beam, of Germanic origin.]

de·bauched·ly (-bôchĭd-lē) adv.

de·baucher n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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