vitiate

Definition

To spoil, make faulty; to reduce the value, quality, or effectiveness of something.

Etymology

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Latin vitiātus, the perfect passive participle of vitiō (“damage, spoil”), from vitium (“vice”).

Example Sentences

• "The least admixture of a lie, -- for example, the taint of vanity, the least attempt to make a good impression, a favorable appearance, -- will instantly vitiate the effect."
• "Such diversion as Podson could extort from his isolation was soon vitiated by repetition. He surfed. He sun-baked - with discretion till his skin had peeled and given him a harder cuticle."
• "‘Mr Rose,’ says the Physician, ‘this man was brought to us from Russia. Precisely such a case of vitiated judgment as I describe at length in my Treatise on Madness. Mayhap you have read it?’"

Related Words