Definition of "wanton" in English

adjective

1. (archaic) Undisciplined, unruly; not able to be controlled.

2. (obsolete) Playful, sportive; merry or carefree.

3. Lewd, immoral; sexually open, unchaste.

4. Capricious, reckless of morality, justice etc.; acting without regard for the law or the well-being of others; gratuitous.

5. (archaic) Extravagant, unrestrained, excessive.

noun

1. A pampered or coddled person.

2. An overly playful person; a trifler.

3. A self-indulgent person, fond of excess.

4. (archaic) A lewd or immoral person, especially a prostitute.

verb

1. (intransitive) To rove and ramble without restraint, rule, or limit; to revel; to play loosely; to frolic.

2. (transitive) To waste or squander, especially in pleasure (most often with away).

   • The young man wantoned away his inheritance.
   • 1948, Digby George Gerahty (as Robert Standish), Elephant Walk, New York: Macmillan, 1949, Chapter 15, p. 214, If either of us felt the respect for George that you imply by your manner, you know perfectly well that we wouldn’t have wantoned away the day as we have.

3. (intransitive) To act wantonly; to be lewd or lascivious.

noun

1. (Philippines, Singapore) wonton (Chinese dumpling)