moral turpitude

noun

1. conduct that is regarded as immoral.
2. an instance of such conduct.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moral turpitude¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The flash of that pistol lighted up an abyss of moral turpitude, revealing hidden features of powerful, reckless, openly flaunted wealth.

From The Daily Beast

Before 1960, lawyers and legislators sometimes created special rules for “infamous” crimes, or crimes of “moral turpitude,” but those categories were never defined by the presence or absence of physical force.

From Time

Israel is that alcoholic, addicted to a habit that will lead to demographic suicide and moral turpitude.

From The Daily Beast

That anyone can call Adnan a hero for any reason is only a sign of the moral turpitude of our time.

From The Daily Beast

Nowhere was any well-defined doctrine that moral turpitude was judged and punished in the next-world.

From Project Gutenberg

He recognizes moral turpitude, at least to the extent of dreading exposure of his own backslidings.

From Project Gutenberg

They cause greater disturbance and perhaps more momentary inconvenience, but they do not usually evince much moral turpitude.

From Project Gutenberg

Her stern employer failed to pierce the muslin fortifications of her guilty bosom and discern the moral turpitude lurking there.

From Project Gutenberg

No human being could doubt for a moment, that such a transaction would be deep in moral turpitude.

From Project Gutenberg