turpitude

[ tur-pi-tood, -tyood ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: vileness, wrongdoing, vice, wickedness

2. a vile or depraved act.

turpitude

/ ˈtɜːpɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. base character or action; depravity

Word History and Origins

Origin of turpitude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turpitude¹

C15: from Latin turpitūdō ugliness, from turpis base

Example Sentences

“Gaetz is not only totally incompetent for this job, he doesn’t have the character. He is a person of moral turpitude.”

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

Allegations against Valdovinos Ramirez included moral turpitude for misappropriation, misrepresentation, bounced checks, with additional charges for unreturned fees and not updating one client on important case events.

From Los Angeles Times

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

According to a 2021 Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office manual, material relating to dishonesty, assaults, racial bias and acts of moral turpitude can all be relevant Brady material.

From Los Angeles Times