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Depraving: meaning, definitions and examples

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depraving

 

[ dɪˈpreɪvɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

moral corruption

Depraving pertains to the act of leading someone to a state of moral corruption or degradation. This involves inducing a person or group to engage in behavior that undermines ethical standards and societal norms. The term is often associated with the influence of negative forces, such as drugs, violence, or immoral company. Depraving can have serious consequences on individuals, affecting their judgments and actions, leading them away from virtuous paths.

Synonyms

corrupting, degrading, perverting

Examples of usage

  • The movie depicted the depraving influence of peer pressure.
  • The spread of misinformation is seen as depraving society’s values.
  • His depraving behavior shocked all who knew him.

Translations

Translations of the word "depraving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depravação

🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना

🇩🇪 Verderbnis

🇮🇩 pembusukan

🇺🇦 згублення

🇵🇱 deprywacja

🇯🇵 堕落させる

🇫🇷 dépravation

🇪🇸 depravación

🇹🇷 ahlaksızlaştırma

🇰🇷 타락시키다

🇸🇦 إفساد

🇨🇿 zkažení

🇸🇰 skazenie

🇨🇳 堕落

🇸🇮 depravacija

🇮🇸 siðspillt

🇰🇿 жарамдылық

🇬🇪 დამახინჯება

🇦🇿 əncələşdirmə

🇲🇽 depravación

Word origin

The term 'depraving' originates from the Latin word 'depravare', which means 'to distort' or 'to corrupt'. This Latin term is formed from 'de-' meaning 'from' or 'away from' and 'pravus', meaning 'crooked' or 'wicked'. The evolution of 'deprave' into English in the late Middle Ages added nuances of moral deterioration or corruption. Initially, it was used in a legal and religious context, emphasizing the consequences of immoral actions. Over time, the use of 'depraving' has expanded into social and psychological realms, describing the effects of harmful influences on behavior and morality. The word has often been employed in literature and discourse surrounding ethics, reflecting concerns about the impact of society's negative elements on individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,667, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.