turpitude

UK: ˈtɜːpɪtjuːd | US: ˈtɜːrpɪtuːd

Definition

  1. n. Inherent baseness or depravity; wickedness.

  2. n. A base or vile act.

Structure
turp <shameful>itude <noun suffix indicating state or condition>
Etymology

Derived from Latin turpitudo (shamefulness, disgrace), which stems from turpis (ugly, shameful). The root turp- reflects moral or aesthetic deformity, while -itude (a suffix borrowed from Latin -itudo) denotes an abstract state. The word evolved in English to specifically emphasize moral corruption, retaining its original connotation of disgrace.

Examples

  1. The politician’s turpitude shocked the nation.

  2. His actions revealed a depth of turpitude rarely seen.

  3. The novel explores the turpitude hidden beneath societal respectability.

  4. Legal systems often struggle to quantify moral turpitude.

  5. Historical records expose the turpitude of tyrannical rulers.