Destitutions

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /dɛstɪˈtuːʃənz/

Definitions

1. A state of extreme poverty where basic necessities are lacking
2. The condition of being deprived of essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing
3. An occurrence characterized by severe financial hardship that hinders one's ability to support themselves

Etymology: "Destitutions" is simply the plural of "destitution," so its history is that of the singular noun. The base comes from Latin "dēstitūtiō," meaning "abandoning," which grew from the verb "dēstituō," to leave in the lurch or forsake. That verb combined "dē-," meaning away or down, with "statuere," to set up or place, so the underlying picture is of something set down and left behind. The noun passed into English by way of Old French "destitution." Its sense moved from the act of abandoning someone to the condition of having been left without the things needed to live. Someone who is destitute has been stripped of resources and support, and the plural form here simply counts separate instances of that state.

Synonyms: poverty, privation, impoverishment, neediness, penury

Antonyms: wealth, affluence, prosperity, richness, abundance