turpitude

American  

[tur-pi-tood, -tyood] / ˈtɜr pɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. vile, shameful, or base character; depravity.

   Synonyms:

   wrongdoing, vileness, vice, wickedness

2. a vile or depraved act.

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turpitude British  

/ ˈtɜːpɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. base character or action; depravity

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Etymology

Origin of turpitude

1480–90; < Latin turpitūdō, equivalent to turpi ( s ) base, vile + -tūdō -tude

Example Sentences

She had previously said a failure to hold the inquiry would be "the epitome of moral and ethical turpitude", adding only an inquiry would reveal the truth.

From BBC

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

That was the backdrop when the state accused Summer Boismier of “moral turpitude” and then revoked her teaching license last year.

From Salon

When the case went to trial, Duran’s lawyer — who State Bar of California records show was later disbarred for unrelated “acts of moral turpitude” — put on what Baca described as a “grossly ineffective” defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Duran’s lawyer — who State Bar of California records show was later disbarred for unrelated “acts of moral turpitude” — put on what Baca described as a “grossly ineffective” defense.

From Los Angeles Times