Definition of destitute

The word "destitute" originates from the Latin words "destituere", which means "to abandon" or "to leave behind", and "status", which means "position" or "condition". In the 14th century, the Latin phrase "status destituere" was used to describe a person who had lost their status or position, often due to poverty or misfortune. The word "destitute" was borrowed into Middle English in the 15th century and initially meant "lacking a particular quality or characteristic". Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically describe someone who is in a state of poverty, lack, or need, often with a sense of abandonment or neglect. Today, the word "destitute" is commonly used to describe someone who is in a state of extreme poverty, lacking basic necessities such as food, shelter, or clothing.