Licentious

ly-SEN-shuhs

Definition

  1. (adjective) Lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct; disregarding societal rules or norms.

Example

The licentious behavior of the characters shocked audiences, challenging the era’s strict social norms.

Fun Fact

“Licentious” comes from the Latin licentia, meaning “freedom” or “license.” The term initially referred to unrestrained freedom but evolved to imply behavior that exceeds the bounds of morality or propriety. Its historical usage reflects society’s ongoing struggle to balance liberty with responsibility.