perverse
UK: pəˈvɜːs | US: pərˈvɜːrs
adj. deliberately deviating from what is reasonable or expected
adj. stubbornly contrary or self-willed
adj. (archaic) turned away from what is right or good
The word "perverse" originates from Latin perversus (past participle of pervertere), combining per- ("wrongly") and vertere ("to turn"). It originally described something physically turned the wrong way, later evolving to describe moral or behavioral deviation. The term reflects a metaphorical "turning away" from accepted norms, emphasizing willful defiance or distortion.
His perverse refusal to follow instructions caused delays.
She took a perverse pleasure in upsetting others.
The judge condemned the criminal’s perverse actions.
Despite evidence, he held a perverse belief in the conspiracy.
The path took a perverse twist away from the main road.