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

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.

Example Sentences

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

Clark knowingly committed “acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and corruption” in violation of the California Business and Professions Code, which is part of the State Bar Act, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2024

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

“You accused me of moral turpitude, Mr. Marsden. I am here to say I am not guilty.”

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson