Definition of: wanton

(won′tən) adjective
1. Dissolute; unchaste; licentious; lewd; lustful.
2. Recklessly inconsiderate, heartless, or unjust; evincing a malicious nature: wanton savagery; also, unprovoked: a wanton murder.
3. Of vigorous and abundant growth; rank.
4. Extravagant; running to excess; unrestrained: wanton speech.
5. Not bound or tied; loose: wanton curls; also, frolicsome; prankish.
6. Obs. Refractory; rebellious.
—v.i.
1. To act wantonly or playfully; revel or sport.
2. To grow luxuriantly.
—v.t.
3. To waste wantonly.
—noun
1. A lewd or licentious person, especially a woman.
2. A playful or frolicsome person or animal.
3. A trifler; dallier.
4. Obs. A person who has been much indulged; a pet. [ME wantoun <OE wan deficient + ME towen, OE togen, pp. of tēon bring up, educate]
—wan′ton·ly adverb
—wan′ton·ness noun Synonyms (adj.): airy, free, frisky, frolicsome, gay, loose, merry, playful, reckless, sportive, unbridled, uncurbed, unrestrained, wandering, wild. See IMMODEST. Antonyms: austere, demure, discreet, reserved, sedate, thoughtful.