Corrupting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💀
corrupting
[kəˈrʌptɪŋ ]
Definition
influence negatively
Corrupting means to cause someone or something to become dishonest or immoral. It can also refer to the act of destroying the purity or integrity of something.
Synonyms
contaminate, debase, pervert, taint.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corrupting |
Used when referring to the act of morally or ethically degrading someone or something.
|
| taint |
Used when something has been spoiled, damaged, or corrupted, typically in a non-physical sense but can apply to physical contamination as well.
|
| contaminate |
Better suited for describing the physical act of making something impure or harmful, especially in the context of chemicals, pollutants, or infectious agents.
|
| pervert |
Describes the act of distorting or misusing something in a way that goes against its original purpose. It often has a strong negative connotation.
|
| debase |
Used when talking about reducing the quality or value of something, often in terms of moral or artistic standards.
|
Examples of usage
- He was accused of corrupting the young minds of his students.
- The power of money is corrupting politicians around the world.
- Corrupting the data will lead to inaccurate results.
- Her actions were corrupting the reputation of the company.
- The corrupting influence of the criminal organization spread quickly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that exposure to corrupt behavior can influence individuals to act unethically.
- Group dynamics can amplify corrupting influences, leading individuals to conform to bad behaviors.
- The 'slippery slope' effect describes how small unethical acts can lead to more significant corruption over time.
Literature
- Classic novels often explore themes of corruption, such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where beauty leads to moral decay.
- Many dystopian stories highlight the corrupting influence of power on characters' morals and actions.
- Shakespeare's works frequently delve into how ambition and jealousy can lead to a person's corruption.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Scarface' illustrate how characters become corrupt due to power and greed.
- Video games often feature corrupting forces, like in 'Mass Effect', where choices can lead to moral degradation.
- TV series such as 'Breaking Bad' show how a seemingly good person can become corrupt through circumstances.
Society
- Corruption is a significant issue in politics, affecting governance and public trust worldwide.
- In many societies, efforts to combat corruption include transparency measures and anti-corruption laws.
- Social movements often emerge in response to corruption, pushing for reforms and accountability.
Origin of 'corrupting'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'corruptus', which means 'broken' or 'spoiled'.
- It originally referred to physical things being broken and later extended to morals and behavior.
- In Middle English, it was used to describe not just physical decay but also moral decline.
The word 'corrupting' is derived from the Latin word 'corruptus', which means 'spoiled' or 'rotten'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. The idea of corruption, both in the moral and political sense, has been a topic of concern throughout history, with various forms of corruption being documented in ancient civilizations. The concept of corrupting influences and behavior remains relevant in contemporary society, with efforts to combat corruption being a focus of many governments and organizations.
See also: corrupt, corrupted, corrupter, corruption, corruptness, corruptor.