turpitude
Americannoun
-
vile, shameful, or base character; depravity.
- Synonyms:
- wrongdoing, vileness, vice, wickedness
-
a vile or depraved act.
noun
Etymology
Origin of turpitude
1480–90; < Latin turpitūdō, equivalent to turpi ( s ) base, vile + -tūdō -tude
Explanation
If you are guilty of turpitude, you should be ashamed of yourself. Turpitude is a word that represents depraved behavior. Prisons are filled with criminals who have engaged in acts of moral turpitude. Turpitude comes from the Latin word turpitudo, which means "repulsiveness." Corrupt politicians get booted out of office for acts of turpitude, like taking bribes in exchange for lucrative government contracts. Turpitude often follows the word moral, and acts of moral turpitude are usually crimes that are unusually sick or corrupt.
Vocabulary lists containing turpitude
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Wayne State University's Word Warriors: a list of words to revive in your vocabulary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Moral relativism and the ratchet effect will ensure that there is always some precedent close enough to persuade people to shrug even when confronted with some evidence of genuine turpitude on their own side.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
And he has grandstanded constantly about Santos’ turpitude on TV.
From Slate ● Nov. 30, 2023
The State Bar said Eastman faces charges that he violated the business and professions code by making false and misleading statements that constitute acts of “moral turpitude, dishonesty, and corruption.”
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 26, 2023
He also resigned as an MP, which meant the court did not decide whether his offence involved "moral turpitude" - a finding that would have barred him from running for office for seven years.
From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2023
“You accused me of moral turpitude, Mr. Marsden. I am here to say I am not guilty.”
From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
