Search Result for "perverse": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (3)

1. marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict;
- Example: "took perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans"

2. resistant to guidance or discipline;
- Example: "Mary Mary quite contrary"
- Example: "an obstinate child with a violent temper"
- Example: "a perverse mood"
- Example: "wayward behavior"
[syn: contrary, obstinate, perverse, wayward]

3. deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or good;
- Example: "depraved criminals"
- Example: "a perverted sense of loyalty"
- Example: "the reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat"
[syn: depraved, perverse, perverted, reprobate]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Perverse \Per*verse"\ (p[~e]r*v[~e]rs"), a. [L. perversus turned
   the wrong way, not right, p. p. of pervertereto turn around,
   to overturn: cf. F. pervers. See Pervert.]
   1. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the
      right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.
      [1913 Webster]

            The only righteous in a world perverse. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Obstinate in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence,
      wayward; vexing; contrary.
      [1913 Webster]

            To so perverse a sex all grace is vain. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Froward; untoward; wayward; stubborn; ungovernable;
        intractable; cross; petulant; vexatious.

   Usage: Perverse, Froward. One who is froward is
          capricious, and reluctant to obey. One who is perverse
          has a settled obstinacy of will, and likes or dislikes
          by the rule of contradiction to the will of others.
          [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

perverse
    adj 1: marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict; "took
           perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans"
    2: resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite
       contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a
       perverse mood"; "wayward behavior" [syn: contrary,
       obstinate, perverse, wayward]
    3: deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or
       good; "depraved criminals"; "a perverted sense of loyalty";
       "the reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat" [syn:
       depraved, perverse, perverted, reprobate]