Turpitude

usgb/ˈtɜːrpɪtuːd/
noun

Deeply immoral or sinful behavior.

His private life was full of drunkenness and moral turpitude.
Visual representation of "turpitude" - Deeply immoral or sinful behavior

Often appears as...

  • moral turpitude
  • act of turpitude

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "turpitude"
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Heavy Connotation

Turpitude suggests extremely negative behavior, more than just a small mistake.

Illustration for Heavy Connotation
Embezzlement is a crime that shows financial turpitude.
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Often Legal

Turpitude is commonly used to describe serious moral failings, especially in legal contexts.

Illustration for Often Legal
The lawyer argued that the defendant's actions constituted moral turpitude.
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Social Impact

The idea of turpitude implies a violation of social norms and expectations.

Illustration for Social Impact
Public outrage ensued as the CEO’s turpitude came to light.
Visual representation of the word "Turpitude"

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