First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1corrupt
verb cor·rupt \kə-ˈrəpt\
: to cause (someone or something) to become dishonest, immoral, etc.
: to change (something) so that it is less pure or valuable
: to change (a book, computer file, etc.) from the correct or original form
Full Definition of CORRUPT
transitive verb
1
a : to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; also : bribe b : to degrade with unsound principles or moral values
3
: to subject (a person) to corruption of blood
4
: to alter from the original or correct form or version <the file was corrupted>
intransitive verb
1
a : to become tainted or rotten b : to become morally debased
2
: to cause disintegration or ruin
— cor·rupt·er also cor·rup·tor \-ˈrəp-tər\ noun
— cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrəp-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— cor·rupt·ible \-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adjective
— cor·rupt·ibly \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of CORRUPT
Middle English, from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere, from com- + rumpere to break — more at reave
Related to CORRUPT
Synonym Discussion of CORRUPT
debase, vitiate, deprave, corrupt, debauch, pervert mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity <commercialism has debased the holiday>. vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect <a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship>. deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences <the claim that society is depraved by pornography>. corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity <the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language>. debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence <the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew>. pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal <perverted the original goals of the institute>.
2corrupt
adjective
: doing things that are dishonest or illegal in order to make money or to gain or keep power
: done or controlled by dishonest and immoral people
: dishonest, evil, or immoral
Full Definition of CORRUPT
1
a : morally degenerate and perverted : depraved b : characterized by improper conduct (as bribery or the selling of favors) <corrupt judges>
3
: adulterated or debased by change from an original or correct condition <a corrupt version of the text>
— cor·rupt·ly \-ˈrəp(t)-lē\ adverb
— cor·rupt·ness \-ˈrəp(t)-nəs\ noun
See corrupt defined for English-language learners
Origin of CORRUPT
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin corruptus
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CORRUPT
- Synonyms
- debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, dissolute, jackleg, libertine, loose, perverse, perverted, rakehell (or rakehelly), rakish, reprobate, sick, unclean, unwholesome, warped
- Antonyms
- pure, uncorrupt, uncorrupted
Synonym Discussion of CORRUPT
vicious, villainous, iniquitous, nefarious, corrupt, degenerate mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct. vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence <a vicious gangster>. villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic <a villainous assault>. iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness <an iniquitous system of taxation>. nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct <the nefarious rackets of organized crime>. corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations <city hall was rife with corrupt politicians>. degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition <a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers>.
CORRUPTED Defined for Kids
1corrupt
verb cor·rupt \kə-ˈrəpt\
cor·rupt·edcor·rupt·ing
Definition of CORRUPT for Kids
1
: to change (as in morals, manners, or actions) from good to bad <He believes television can corrupt children.>
2
: to influence a public official in an improper way (as by a bribe)
2corrupt
adjective
Definition of CORRUPT for Kids
1
: behaving in a bad or improper way : doing wrong <The corrupt judges will accept bribes.>
2
: morally bad : evil <corrupt values>
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