den of iniquity
Sinful gathering place
A den of iniquity is a place associated with vice, immorality, or corrupt behavior—gambling halls, brothels, opium dens, and the like.
The phrase is often used hyperbolically or humorously: My mother acted like the college dorm was a den of iniquity.
It carries a somewhat old-fashioned, moralistic tone.
Betting on uncertain results
- prostitutionCommercial sexual services
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- bootleggingIllegal alcohol production/sale
- speakeasyIllicit liquor establishment
moonshine · opium · bordello · bookie · fencing · contraband · blackjack · poker
Unrestrained collective indulgence
- hedonismPursuit of gratification
- bacchanalWild drunken celebration
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
- carousalBoisterous drinking spree
dissipation · depravity · libertinism · lechery · lasciviousness · profligacy · intemperance · decadence
Famous for negativity
- scandalousMorally offensive or shocking
- disreputableHaving poor standing
- shamefulCausing or meriting disgrace
- ignominiousDeserving public shame
disgraced · tarnished · stigmatized · nefarious · wicked · villainous · illicit · forbidden
gambling
Betting on uncertain results
- prostitutionCommercial sexual services
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- bootleggingIllegal alcohol production/sale
speakeasy · moonshine · opium · bordello · bookie · fencing · contraband · blackjack · poker · roulette
orgy
Unrestrained collective indulgence
carousal · dissipation · depravity · libertinism · lechery · lasciviousness · profligacy · intemperance · decadence · excess
notorious
Famous for negativity
- scandalousMorally offensive or shocking
- disreputableHaving poor standing
- shamefulCausing or meriting disgrace
ignominious · disgraced · tarnished · stigmatized · nefarious · wicked · villainous · illicit · forbidden · blacklisted
mafia
Criminal organization using intimidation
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- criminalPerson who breaks laws
- gangsterCriminal organization member
hideout · lair · racketeer · mobster · boss · capo · henchman · thug · enforcer · safe house
- vice densbrothel, opium den, speakeasy, gambling den, crack house
den of iniquityholy ground
Place of spiritual significance
sacred space · hallowed ground · consecrated ground · cathedral · holy of holies
iniquity, iniquitous, iniquities, inequity, inequities, equality, equalize, equalization, equable