- Today's Word
Wanton
WAHN-tuhn
Definition
(adjective) Excessive, deliberate, and unrestrained—especially in a cruel or reckless way.
Example
The villain’s wanton destruction of the town shocked even his most loyal followers.
Fun Fact
In Shakespearean times, “wanton” was often used to describe lustful or unchaste behavior, but over the centuries, it expanded to cover all kinds of reckless or unjustifiable actions—from violent destruction to excessive luxury. It remains a favorite in legal language for actions that cross ethical lines.
(adjective) Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy or secretive.
She cast a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting.
Late Middle English: from Latin “surreptitius,” from “surripere” meaning “to take away secretly,” from “sub-” (secretly) + “rapere” (to seize).