corruption

cor·rup·tion

noun \kə-ˈrəp-shən\

Definition of CORRUPTION

1

a : impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle : depravity

b : decay, decomposition

c : inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means (as bribery)

d : a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct

2

archaic : an agency or influence that corrupts

3

chiefly dialect : pus

Examples of CORRUPTION

1. There are rumors of widespread corruption in the city government.
2. the mafia's corruption of public officials
3. corruption of the English language
4. computer software that is supposed to prevent the corruption of files
5. the corruption of a text

First Known Use of CORRUPTION

14th century

Related to CORRUPTION

Synonyms

breakdown, decay, decomposition, festering, putrefaction, putrescence, rot, spoilage

Antonyms

morality, virtue

Related Words

crumbling, disintegration, dissolution; curdling, fermentation, moldering, souring

Near Antonyms

growth, maturation, ripening

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with CORRUPTION

abruption, disruption, eruption, irruption

corruption

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Improper and usually unlawful conduct intended to secure a benefit for oneself or another. Its forms include bribery, extortion, and the misuse of inside information. It exists where there is community indifference or a lack of enforcement policies. In societies with a culture of ritualized gift giving, the line between acceptable and unacceptable gifts is often hard to draw. See also organized crime.