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

1. 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