Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

capitis deminutio

noun
Save Word
ca·​pi·​tis de·​mi·​nu·​tio | \ ˈkapətə̇sˌdeməˈn(y)üshēˌō, ˈkä...-ˌdāmə̇ˈnütēˌō \
plural capitis deminutiones\ -​ˌn(y)üshēˈō(ˌ)nēz , -​ˌnütēˈō(ˌ)nās \

Definition of capitis deminutio

Roman law
: impairment of legal status or civil capacity before the strict law through loss of freedom, citizenship, or family membership

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for capitis deminutio

Latin, literally, diminution of life

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about capitis deminutio

Statistics for capitis deminutio

Cite this Entry

“Capitis deminutio.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitis%20deminutio. Accessed 21 January 2020.

Comments on capitis deminutio

What made you want to look up capitis deminutio? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

bonhomie

Listen to the pronounciation of bonhomie

good-natured easy friendliness

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games