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The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.

term:

Wanton

wanton adj

: manifesting extreme indifference to a risk of injury to another that is known or should have been known
: characterized by knowledge of and utter disregard for probability of resulting harm [a act] [by such or willful misconduct] see also reckless NOTE: Wantonreckless, and willful are often used to refer to an aggravated level of negligence that borders on intent and that is often ground for an award of punitive damages.
wan·ton·ly adv

wan·ton·ness n



Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

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