'deprave' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depravare,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'pravus' meant 'crooked or perverse.'

'depravare' transformed into the Old French word 'depraver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deprave' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make morally bad or corrupt,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.