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vitiate

verb

/ˈvɪʃ iˌeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of vitiate

To impair, spoil, or degrade the quality, effectiveness, or value of something, typically through the introduction of flaws, errors, or negative elements.
"A breach of confidentiality can vitiate the trust between a doctor and patient."

Detailed meaning of vitiate

When something is vitiated, its essential attributes or inherent virtues are compromised, often leading to a diminished state or outcome. This term is commonly used to describe the process of corrupting or polluting something that was once pure or valid, such as an argument, a contract, a moral principle, or a decision. In essence, to "vitiate" is to taint or undermine the integrity of something, rendering it less effective, trustworthy, or credible due to the introduction of damaging factors.

Example sentences containing vitiate

1. His dishonesty could vitiate the trust others had in him.
2. Adding too much sugar can vitiate the taste of the dish.
3. The corruption within the organization began to vitiate its mission.
4. One mistake can vitiate the entire experiment's results.
5. The negative comments were meant to vitiate her self-esteem.
6. Misleading information can vitiate the decision-making process.

History and etymology of vitiate

The verb 'vitiate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'vitiare,' which means 'to spoil' or 'to corrupt.' It is derived from 'vitium,' meaning 'fault' or 'defect.' In Latin, 'vitiare' described the act of introducing flaws, errors, or negative elements that would spoil or corrupt the quality of something. As the term made its way into English, it retained this essential meaning, referring to the action of impairing, spoiling, or degrading the quality, effectiveness, or value of something, often through the introduction of faults or defects. The etymology of 'vitiate' underscores the concept of spoiling or corrupting, emphasizing the idea of something being tainted or rendered less effective due to the presence of flaws or negative elements.

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Further usage examples of vitiate

1. The counterfeit product may vitiate the company's reputation.
2. A single error can vitiate the validity of the document.
3. To vitiate the plan, they introduced a flaw in the design.
4. His reckless behavior could vitiate his chances of success.
5. Their constant arguing began to vitiate the atmosphere at home.
6. The virus can vitiate the functionality of your computer.
7. Trust is easily vitiated when promises are broken.
8. The scandal had the potential to vitiate the entire industry.
9. Ignoring safety measures can vitiate workplace conditions.
10. Negative influences can vitiate the minds of young people.
11. The wrong ingredient can vitiate the taste of the cocktail.
12. Lack of transparency can vitiate the public's trust in the government.
13. The false accusations could vitiate his career prospects.
14. The hidden flaws could vitiate the integrity of the system.
15. A single mistake in the process can vitiate the entire experiment.
16. The presence of irrelevant information can vitiate the validity of an argument.
17. The company's reputation was vitiated by the scandal involving its CEO.
18. Bias in the selection process can vitiate the fairness of a hiring decision.
19. A small crack in the foundation can vitiate the stability of the entire building.
20. An error in the calculation can vitiate the accuracy of the financial report.
21. Misinformation can vitiate the effectiveness of public health campaigns.
22. Cheating can vitiate the integrity of a competition and undermine the results.
23. A misunderstanding can vitiate the clarity of a message and cause confusion.
24. Overgeneralization can vitiate the validity of a study's findings.
25. Technical issues can vitiate the reliability of an online platform.