Corruption: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term 'corruption' comes from the Latin word 'corruptio', which means decay or ruin.
• Corruption as a concept has been recognized since ancient times, with records of dishonest practices in Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago.
• In medieval Europe, the sale of church offices and indulgences was a notable form of corruption.

Politics

• Numerous countries have faced political corruption scandals, often undermining trust in government and leading to protests.
• Corruption is viewed as a major barrier to development, especially in lower-income nations where it can stifle economic growth.
• International organizations, like Transparency International, monitor and rank countries based on perceived corruption levels.

Literature

• Many classic novels tackle themes of corruption, such as 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, which critiques political tyranny.
• Shakespeare’s plays often explore corruption, notably in 'Macbeth', where ambition leads to moral decay.
• Corruption is a recurring theme in modern literature, reflecting society's struggles with ethics and integrity.

Psychology

• Research shows that even small acts of dishonest behavior can lead to a slippery slope of greater corruption.
• Psychological studies suggest that the environment and peer behaviors significantly influence individuals' ethical choices.
• People are often more likely to engage in corrupt behavior under stress or when they feel unjustly treated.

Pop Culture

• Corruption is a popular theme in movies, such as 'The Godfather', which explores organized crime and moral dilemmas.
• Video games like 'Grand Theft Auto' heavily feature aspects of corruption, often allowing players to navigate a world based on illegal activities.
• Television series like 'House of Cards' depict corruption in politics, demonstrating the lengths individuals will go for power.

With rank #4,881, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

• ...
• 4878 smallest
• 4879 reproduced
• 4880 sins
• 4881 corruption
• 4882 linguistic
• 4883 suppressed
• 4884 prevailed
• ...