The word “attainted” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still an important word to know. It is often used in legal contexts and has a specific meaning that is important to understand. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “attainted,” as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The word “attainted” is an adjective that means to be found guilty of a crime, particularly a serious one such as treason or felony. It can also refer to the loss of one’s civil rights or property as a result of being found guilty of a crime. In legal terms, attainted refers to the process of being declared guilty by a court of law.
Origin
The word “attainted” comes from the Old French word “ataindre,” which means to reach, hit, or strike. It was first used in English in the 14th century and was originally used to refer to the act of striking or hitting someone. Over time, it came to be used in legal contexts to refer to the process of being found guilty of a crime.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “attainted” means “tainted, corrupted, or deprived of the rights of citizenship and inheritance especially as a result of conviction for treason or felony.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having been attainted or convicted of treason or felony; deprived of civil rights and property.”
Associations
The word “attainted” is often associated with legal proceedings and criminal trials. It is also associated with the loss of civil rights and property that can result from being found guilty of a crime. In historical contexts, the word is associated with the punishment of traitors and other serious criminals.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “attainted” include convicted, guilty, condemned, and disgraced. These words all have similar meanings and are often used in legal or criminal contexts.
Antonyms
Antonyms of “attainted” include acquitted, exonerated, and innocent. These words refer to the opposite of being found guilty of a crime and being punished for it.
The same root words
The word “attainted” comes from the Old French word “ataindre,” which is also the root of the English words “attain,” “attainment,” and “attainder.” These words all have to do with reaching or achieving something, but they have different meanings than “attainted.”
Example Sentences
- The traitor was attainted and sentenced to death for his crimes.
- After being attainted, he lost his property and was stripped of his civil rights.
- The attainted criminal was unable to vote or hold public office.
- The jury found the defendant guilty and he was attainted for his role in the robbery.
- The attainted nobleman was stripped of his title and exiled from the kingdom.