Per-vĕrt’1, v. t.
(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.]
Sense 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.
Sense 2. To turn from the right; to corrupt.
He in the serpent had perverted Eve. Milton.
Synonyms—To convert; proselyte. See CONVERT.