adjective

reprehensible

rep-rih-HEN-suh-bul/ˌreprɪˈhensəbl/

Morally wrong and deserving strong criticism.

Snatching a handbag from a resisting wheelchair user is reprehensible conduct.

A man forcibly snatches a handbag from a resisting wheelchair user while a stern witness intervenes.

Etymology

reLatinback

+prehensLatinto grasp, seize

+ibleLatincapable of being

The underlying image is grasping and holding back. The Latin verb also meant blaming or rebuking, so reprehensible describes something deserving that censure, not merely something capable of being restrained.

In context

FOCLOnline3:13

it's claimed that Christians are arrogant or otherwise morally reprehensible when they believe that Jesus is the only way to God

Is Christian Exclusivism Repressive or Otherwise Morally Reprehensible? - Rene van Woudenberg

More examples

The report exposes reprehensible abuse at the nursing home.
She condemns the company's reprehensible decision to hide safety risks.
His apology does not excuse his reprehensible treatment of the workers.

Forms

reprehensible

reprehensibly adverb — In a morally blameworthy way.

Similar words

blameworthy: Describes deserving blame without necessarily expressing such strong moral condemnation.
deplorable: Expresses strong disapproval but can also describe distressing conditions.