desuetude
UK[ˈdeswɪtjuːd]US[ˈdeswɪtuːd]
n
a state of disuse or inactivity.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
suet
ude
de
away from
suet
accustomed
ude
state of
Etymology
the word desuetude entered english in the early 15th century from latin 'desuetudo', which itself derives from the verb 'desuescere', meaning 'to become unaccustomed to'. this verb is a compound of the prefix 'de-', indicating reversal or removal, and 'suescere', meaning 'to become accustomed'. the core concept is of a habit or practice falling away from use. the literal sense of "a ceasing of use" has been retained in modern english, where it specifically denotes the state into which laws, customs, or practices fall when they are no longer observed or employed.
Analysis
Structure: de (away from) + suet (accustomed) + ude (state of)
de- (latin prefix, meaning 'away from, off'); suet- (from latin 'suescere', meaning 'to become accustomed'); -ude (latin noun-forming suffix, indicating a state or condition).
Examples
the old law had fallen into desuetude long before it was formally repealed.
many traditional crafts are in danger of passing into desuetude.
the custom of formal afternoon tea has largely fallen into desuetude in modern urban life.