Conculcate

/kənˈkʌlkeɪt/ verb

Definition

To trample upon; to treat with contempt or disrespect; to tread down.

Etymology

From Latin 'conculcatus,' past participle of 'conculcare,' combining 'con-' (together, thoroughly) and 'calcare' (to tread). The word originally meant literally to step on something repeatedly, then evolved to mean treating someone or something as worthless.

Kelly Says

The verb 'calculus' comes from the same Latin root 'calx' (heel/stone)—Romans literally calculated by moving pebbles in the sand with their heels, so 'conculcate' is etymologically about the violence of that pressing-down motion!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.