Pervert

(14), v. t. [imp. & p. p. PERVERTED; p. pr. & vb. n. PERVERTING.] [Lat. pervertere, from the prefix per, through, thoroughly, and vertere, to turn; Fr., Pr., & Sp. pervertir, Pg. perverter, It. pervertere, pervertire.]

1Sense 1. To turn from truth, propriety, or from its proper purpose; to distort from its true use or end; specifically, to misinterpret through evil motives or bias.

The acute and distinct Arminius was perverted merely by the perusing of a nameless discourse. Milton.

2Sense 2. To turn from the right; to corrupt.

He in the serpent had perverted Eve. Milton.

Synonyms—To convert; proselyte. See CONVERT.

v. i. To become perverted; to take the wrong course. [Obs.]

n. One who has turned from a right way to that which is wrong. Conybeare.