Entry Word: corruption

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances <the ancient Egyptians used special preservatives to spare their dead from complete corruption>

Synonyms breakdown, decay, decomposition, putrefaction, rot, spoilage

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

Near Antonyms growth, maturation, ripening

2 a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior <the corruption of the upper classes eventually led to the fall of the Roman empire>

Synonyms corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipatedness, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion

Related Words evil, immorality, nefariousness, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue

3 immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society <Socrates was put to death because the ancient Athenians believed he was spreading corruption to their youth> — see vice 1