corrupts; corrupted; corrupting
1
: to cause (someone or something) to become dishonest, immoral, etc.
He believes that violence on television and film is corrupting our children. [=teaching bad beliefs and behaviors to our children]
a politician corrupted by greed
music that corrupts the morals of children
corrupting the country's legal system
the corrupting influence/effects of power
2
: to change (something) so that it is less pure or valuable
He's convinced that the Internet is corrupting [=ruining] the English language.
Their idealism has been corrupted by cynicism.
3
: to change (a book, computer file, etc.) from the correct or original form
The file has been corrupted and no longer works properly.
corrupted databases/files
a corrupted version of the ancient text
1
a
: doing things that are dishonest or illegal in order to make money or to gain or keep power
The country's justice system is riddled with corrupt judges who accept bribes.
corrupt politicians/officials
corrupt cops who sell drugs
b
: done or controlled by dishonest and immoral people
corrupt governments
the country's corrupt legal system
2
: dishonest, evil, or immoral
society's corrupt values
3
: changed or damaged : not in a correct or original form
a corrupt version of the text
The document is corrupt.
a corrupt computer file that no longer works properly
Cite this Entry
“Corrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/corrupt. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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