People Are Reading
turpitude was our Word of the Day on 07/08/2017. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of turpitude in a Sentence
pictorial advertisements for chic clothing and fragrances in which drug addiction and other forms of moral turpitude are depicted as alternative fashion statements
Recent Examples of turpitude from the Web
-
The Mayor may be removed from office after a hearing, for any willful violation of duty, or for the commission of an offense involving moral turpitude, upon written notice from the City Council at least five days before the hearing.
-
The Definition of Moral Turpitude Act identifies first- and second-degree burglary as crimes of moral turpitude, but not third-degree burglary.
-
According to a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, visas are considered on a case-by-case basis and waivers are sometimes available for those convicted of crimes of moral turpitude.
-
Before the bill was signed, only five felonies were considered not to be crimes of moral turpitude.
-
Many heirs to the throne have incurred opprobrium on the ground of moral turpitude.
-
Adding a layer of scandal to the story, he was accused of moral turpitude, by which Hamas meant homosexuality.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turpitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Turpitude came to English from Latin by way of Middle French. The Latin word turpitudo comes from "turpis," which means "vile" or "base." The word is often heard in the phrase "moral turpitude," an expression used in law to designate an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community. A criminal offense that involves "moral turpitude" is considered wrong or evil by moral standards, in addition to being the violation of a statute.
Origin and Etymology of turpitude
Middle French, from Latin turpitudo, from turpis vile, base
TURPITUDE Defined for English Language Learners
turpitude
playDefinition of turpitude for English Language Learners
-
: a very evil quality or way of behaving
Law Dictionary
turpitude
playLegal Definition of turpitude
: inherent baseness or depravity; also : a base act
Learn More about turpitude
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up turpitude? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!