Corrupted: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to moral or ethical decay or to computer files/systems.

• The politician was accused of being corrupted by special interests.
• The corrupted file could not be opened.

Use when something is physically harmed or broken.

• The car was badly damaged in the accident.
• The parcel arrived damaged.

Use when referring to food or other perishable items that have gone bad or to describe behavior that is overly indulged.

• The milk has spoiled because it was left out all night.
• The spoiled child was throwing tantrums again.

Use when referring to something that has been morally or physically affected in a negative way. Often implies a loss of purity.

• The scandal tainted his reputation.
• The water supply was tainted with chemicals.

Use when something has been made impure or harmful by contact with a poisonous or polluting substance.

• The groundwater was contaminated by industrial waste.
• Please avoid eating contaminated food.

Used to describe someone or something that has become dishonest or immoral, often through the influence of power or bribery.

• The politician was corrupted by the promise of wealth.
• The corrupted file could not be opened.

Implies altering something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended. It often has a strong negative connotation.

• He used his position to pervert justice.
• The teachings were perverted to serve a political agenda.

Used when someone or something is lowered in quality, value, or moral standing. Often implies degradation or depreciation.

• They debased the currency by adding less valuable metals.
• He tried to debase her reputation with lies.

Refers to corrupting someone to become morally bad or wicked. This word has a strong negative connotation.

• The influence of certain movies can deprave young minds.
• His actions were seen as an attempt to deprave public morals.

Used when someone tries to undermine or overthrow an established system, principle, or institution, often secretly or insidiously.

• They plotted to subvert the government.
• Her actions aimed to subvert the organization's principles.