Words: wanton [MW]

Main Entry: wan·ton
Pronunciation: 'won-t&n, 'wän-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tEon -- more at TOW
1 a archaic : hard to control : UNDISCIPLINED, UNRULY b : playfully mean or cruel : MISCHIEVOUS
2 a : LEWD, BAWDY b : causing sexual excitement : LUSTFUL, SENSUAL
3 a : MERCILESS, INHUMANE (wanton cruelty) b : having no just foundation or provocation : MALICIOUS (a wanton attack)
4 : being without check or limitation: as a : luxuriantly rank (wanton vegetation) b : unduly lavish : EXTRAVAGANT