Turpitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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turpitude

 

[ ˈtɜr.pɪ.tud ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

moral depravity

Turpitude refers to a state of moral corruption or wickedness. It describes actions that are considered to be inherently base, vile, or depraved and are often associated with dishonor or disgrace. The term is often used in legal contexts to denote behavior that is ethically reprehensible.

Synonyms

corruption, depravity, immorality, vice, wickedness

Examples of usage

  • The politician's turpitude was revealed in the scandal.
  • Her actions exhibited a level of turpitude that shocked the community.
  • The judge considered the defendant's turpitude when issuing the sentence.

Translations

Translations of the word "turpitude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 turpitude

🇮🇳 कुप्रवृत्ति

🇩🇪 Schlechtigkeit

🇮🇩 keburukan

🇺🇦 непристойність

🇵🇱 nikczemność

🇯🇵 卑劣さ

🇫🇷 turpitude

🇪🇸 bajeza

🇹🇷 ahlaksızlık

🇰🇷 비열함

🇸🇦 انحطاط

🇨🇿 neřest

🇸🇰 nepoctivosť

🇨🇳 卑鄙

🇸🇮 pohujšanje

🇮🇸 lágmenni

🇰🇿 жамандық

🇬🇪 ბოროტება

🇦🇿 şərəfsizlik

🇲🇽 bajeza

Etymology

The word 'turpitude' derives from the Latin term 'turpitudo', which means 'baseness, ugliness, or disgrace'. This Latin root comes from the word 'turpis', meaning 'base, foul, or disgraceful'. The usage of 'turpitude' in the English language dates back to the early 15th century, where it was used to describe moral depravity in various contexts, particularly in legal and ecclesiastical discussions. Over time, 'turpitude' has maintained its focus on the moral and ethical dimensions of human behavior, often appearing in discussions surrounding law, governance, and societal norms. Despite its somewhat archaic sound, the term continues to be relevant in modern legal terminology, especially in matters concerning moral character and conduct.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,746, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.