depraved
/di'preivd/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Morally corrupt, wicked, or perverted: Describes a person, character, or action that has sunk to a state of extreme moral corruption, often involving a perversion of what is considered right, natural, or decent. It implies a deep-seated and habitual deviation from accepted standards of morality.
Usage
The adjective "depraved" is a strong term used to describe profound moral corruption. It is typically applied to people, their character, or their actions. * It often carries a sense of active perversion or twisted pleasure in wrongdoing. * It is more intense than words like "bad" or "immoral," suggesting a fundamental corruption of nature or principles.
Examples
- The judge described the murderer's actions as depraved and heartless.
- He was a depraved individual who took pleasure in the suffering of others.
- The film explores the depraved mind of a serial killer.
- Such depraved behavior is a shock to the conscience of society.
Advanced Usage
- "Depraved indifference": A legal term, particularly in some US jurisdictions, referring to a mental state showing utter disregard for human life, which can elevate a crime (like assault) to murder.
- The driver was charged with murder with depraved indifference for racing through a crowded pedestrian zone.
Variants and Related Words
- Depravity (noun): The state of being morally depraved; wickedness.
- The novel delves into the depths of human depravity.
- Deprave (verb, formal/literary): To make someone morally bad or corrupt.
- He believed that power had the potential to deprave even the most noble character.
Synonyms
- Corrupt: Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly or immorally.
- Perverted: Deviating from what is considered normal or acceptable, especially in sexual behavior.
- Wicked: Evil or morally wrong.
- Debauched: Indulging in sensual pleasures to a degree regarded as morally degrading.
- Reprobate (adjective/noun): An unprincipled or morally corrupt person.
Antonyms
- Virtuous: Having or showing high moral standards.
- Righteous: Morally right or justifiable.
- Innocent: Not guilty of a crime or offense; free from moral wrong.
- Pure: Free of moral fault or guilt.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Sink into depravity": To gradually become deeply morally corrupt.
- The character in the story sinks into depravity after losing his fortune.
Adjective
- deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or good
- depraved criminals
- a perverted sense of loyalty
- the reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat