untouchable
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Meaning
not able to be touched or affected by something
(especially in the past in India) belonging to the lowest social group, whose touch was believed to defile members of higher groups
a person belonging to the lowest social group in some societies
Structure
Usage
the championship title seemed untouchable for any other team.
the reforms aimed to improve the lives of the untouchables.
his wealth and power made him feel untouchable by the law.
Etymology
The word "untouchable" is a Modern English formation built from three distinct elements. The core, "touch", entered English from Old French, tracing back to a Vulgar Latin verb related to striking or making contact. The prefix "un-", of ancient Germanic origin, is a prolific negator, reversing the meaning of the base it attaches to. The suffix "-able", of Latin descent via French, converts verbs into adjectives meaning "susceptible to" the action. Therefore, the literal construction "not capable of being touched" evolved from its primary physical sense to encompass social and metaphorical dimensions, most notably describing a person considered ritually polluting in the hindu caste system, and later, someone or something beyond reach or criticism.
Analysis
un: a prefix of germanic origin, meaning "not" or "opposite of". touch: from old french 'tochier', ultimately from a vulgar latin base meaning "to knock, strike", indicating physical contact. able: a suffix from latin '-abilis', meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".