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Vitiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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vitiate

 

[ ˈvɪʃieɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

alter quality

To vitiate means to impair or weaken the effectiveness, quality, or purity of something. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe how a document can be rendered invalid or ineffective. In a broader sense, it can also refer to compromising moral values or principles. The word shows the action of diminishing or nullifying something's inherent quality or integrity.

Synonyms

corrupt, impair, invalidate, mar, weaken

Examples of usage

  • The scandal may vitiate his reputation.
  • This evidence could vitiate their entire argument.
  • Poor management decisions could vitiate the success of the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "vitiate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 viciar

🇮🇳 दोषपूर्ण करना

🇩🇪 verderben

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 псувати

🇵🇱 zepsuć

🇯🇵 腐らせる

🇫🇷 vicié

🇪🇸 viciar

🇹🇷 bozmak

🇰🇷 무효화하다

🇸🇦 يفسد

🇨🇿 zkazit

🇸🇰 pokaziť

🇨🇳 使败坏

🇸🇮 pokvariti

🇮🇸 skemma

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 pozmaq

🇲🇽 viciar

Etymology

The word 'vitiate' comes from the Latin verb 'vitiāre', which means 'to make faulty or to spoil'. The Latin root 'vitium' translates to 'fault' or 'vice'. In English, the term has been used since the 15th century and has maintained its focus on ideas of corruption or impairment. The usage of 'vitiate' has evolved over time but generally remains rooted in the concepts of weakening or invalidating something's intrinsic value. As such, it often finds its place in legal, philosophical, and moral discussions, where the implications of damaging or compromising elements are examined. Its presence in contemporary language reflects ongoing concerns with integrity and authenticity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,628, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.