Corrupt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corrupt

[kəˈrʌpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in politics

Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

Synonyms

deceitful, dishonest, fraudulent, unethical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
corrupt	Used to describe someone, often in a position of power, who is willing to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain. The corrupt politician accepted bribes from various corporations. The company was discovered to be corrupt, engaging in illegal business practices.
dishonest	Refers to someone who engages in lying, stealing, or cheating. Generally used in a broader sense for everyday situations. He was dishonest about his qualifications on the job application. The dishonest employee was caught stealing from the cash register.
unethical	Used to describe actions that go against moral principles or professional standards. Typically not illegal but considered wrong. His unethical behavior at work raised many ethical concerns. Using confidential information for personal gain is highly unethical.
deceitful	Describes someone who deliberately conceals or misrepresents the truth to mislead others. Her deceitful behavior caused a lot of trust issues in the relationship. The deceitful salesman tricked customers into buying defective products.
fraudulent	Specifically used to describe something that is fake or intended to deceive, especially in legal or financial contexts. The fraudulent scheme led to a huge financial loss for investors. She was charged with fraudulent activities after forging signatures.

Examples of usage

He was accused of being corrupt and taking bribes.
The government was known for its corrupt practices.
She refused to be part of the corrupt system.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to change something from its original form

Change or debase by making errors or unintentional alterations.

Synonyms

contaminate, defile, pollute, taint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
corrupt	This word is often used in legal or moral situations to describe someone or something that has been morally or ethically compromised. It can also refer to data or systems that become unusable or altered in a damaging way. The government's actions were deemed corrupt The file got corrupted and couldn't be opened
taint	Often used to describe something that has been damaged or made impure, especially in more abstract contexts like reputation, character, or quality. The scandal tainted his reputation Their good name was tainted by the accusations
contaminate	Use it when referring to a substance or thing that has been made impure or harmful by the addition of something unwanted. Often used in scientific, health, or environmental contexts. The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste Make sure not to contaminate the samples
pollute	Typically used in an environmental context to describe air, water, or land that has been made dirty or harmful by chemicals or waste. Factories that pollute the air should be regulated The river was heavily polluted with plastic waste
defile	This word has a strong, negative connotation and is often used to describe something that has been desecrated or violated, especially in a sacred or highly respected context. The ancient temple was defiled by graffiti They defiled the memory of the hero

Examples of usage

The file was corrupted and could not be opened.
He tried to corrupt the evidence by tampering with it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

Many ancient societies, like Rome and Greece, documented corruption in politics, leading to societal decline.
The fall of the Roman Empire is often attributed to widespread corruption and mismanagement among leaders.
In the Middle Ages, the Church faced corruption accusations, resulting in movements like the Reformation.

Literature

Shakespeare often explored themes of corruption, particularly in characters like Macbeth.
Charles Dickens’ novel 'Oliver Twist' presents corruption in Victorian society, especially in institutions meant to help the poor.
George Orwell’s 'Animal Farm' portrays the corrupting influence of power over ideals.

Psychology

Studies show that power can lead to corrupt behavior due to decreased empathy and increased entitlement.
The 'broken windows theory' suggests that small acts of corruption can lead to larger criminal behavior in communities.
Cognitive dissonance often occurs when people justify corrupt behavior to align with their self-image.

Pop Culture

Films like 'The Godfather' and 'Scarface' examine the themes of corruption in organized crime and politics.
Video games, such as 'Grand Theft Auto,' often highlight corrupt systems, putting players in morally challenging situations.
TV shows like 'House of Cards' depict the psychological and moral implications of corruption in politics.

Origin of 'corrupt'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin 'corruptus,' which means broken or destroyed.
It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to moral decay.
In early texts, it often described bribery or the erosion of moral integrity.

The word 'corrupt' originates from the Latin word 'corruptus', which means spoiled or ruined. The term has been used throughout history to describe individuals or systems that engage in dishonest or fraudulent behavior. Corruption has been a pervasive issue in various aspects of society, including politics, business, and law enforcement. Efforts to combat corruption continue to be a priority for many governments and organizations around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,864 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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