depraved
UK[dɪˈpreɪvd]US[dɪˈpreɪvd]
adj
morally corrupt; wicked.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
praved
de
completely
praved
corrupted
Etymology
the word 'depraved' has a direct lineage from latin, entering english via old french. it is built from the intensive prefix 'de-' and the latin adjective 'pravus', meaning crooked or perverse. the literal sense of physical crookedness evolved metaphorically in latin to denote moral distortion or corruption. thus, the modern english meaning of being thoroughly corrupted or perverted in character retains this core logic of a fundamental deviation from moral uprightness.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + praved (corrupted)
'de-' is a Latin prefix meaning "completely, thoroughly, down from." 'praved' is derived from the Latin root 'prav-', meaning "crooked, perverse, wrong," from the past participle stem of 'pravare' (to make crooked).
Examples
the killer was described as a depraved monster by the prosecutor.
he was capable of the most depraved acts without any remorse.
the film explores the depraved underbelly of the city's nightlife.