reprobate
UK[ˈreprəbeɪt]US[ˈreprəbeɪt]
n
a person who behaves in a way that is morally wrong or unacceptable.
adj
morally corrupt or depraved.
v
to express or feel disapproval of; to condemn.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
prob
ate
re
again, intensive
prob
test, prove
ate
verb/adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'reprobate' originates from the latin verb 'reprobare', meaning "to disapprove, reject, or condemn," which itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 're-' and 'probare' (to test, prove, or find worthy). in theological latin, 'reprobatus' described someone who failed the divine test and was rejected by god, thus condemned. this literal sense of being "tested and found thoroughly wanting" evolved into the modern english meaning, denoting a person of thoroughly bad character who is morally condemned. the semantic journey moves from a specific act of divine rejection to a general state of moral depravity.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, intensive) + prob (test, prove) + ate (verb/adjective suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again, back, intensive force".
prob: latin origin, from 'probare' (to test, prove, approve), serving as the core root.
ate: latin origin, a suffix used to form verbs, adjectives, and agent nouns.
Examples
he was known throughout the town as a drunken reprobate.
she was shocked by his reprobate behavior at the formal event.
the council voted to reprobate the proposed policy on ethical grounds.