Corrupt
/kəˈrʌpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause to act dishonestly, typically by bribery; to pervert; to debase.
/kəˈrʌpt/
To cause someone or something to act dishonestly or to become morally bad.
The politician was accused of corrupting the legal system by taking bribes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sharing cookies, and one person keeps taking more than their share. That person is corrupting the fair distribution because they're being dishonest. It's like something good turning bad because someone is taking advantage.
👶 For kids: To make someone do bad things.
More Examples
Power can corrupt even the most virtuous individuals.
The company's unethical practices corrupted their reputation.
How It's Used
"The scandal corrupted the integrity of the government."
"Bribery can corrupt business practices."
Showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain; morally depraved.
/kəˈrʌpt/
Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly for one's own gain.
The corrupt judge accepted bribes to influence the case.
💡 Simply: Imagine a game where someone cheats to win all the time. That person is corrupt. It means they're willing to do something dishonest for their own benefit. It’s a bit like a sneaky player who bends the rules.
👶 For kids: Bad and dishonest.
More Examples
The company was exposed for its corrupt business practices.
A corrupt government can undermine public trust.
How It's Used
"The court system was infiltrated by corrupt officials."
"He lived in a corrupt society where bribery was commonplace."
Idioms & expressions
corrupt to the core
Thoroughly dishonest or immoral; deeply corrupt.
"The politician was corrupt to the core, taking bribes at every opportunity."
the corruption of power
The negative influence power can have on individuals or systems, leading them to act dishonestly.
"History is filled with examples of the corruption of power."
From Latin *corrumpere* ('to spoil, ruin, bribe'), from *com-* (together) + *rumpere* (to break).
The word 'corrupt' has been used since the 14th century, originally to describe something physically spoiled or rotten, later evolving to encompass moral and political decay.
Memory tip
Think of a rotten apple: it corrupts the good ones nearby.