Corrupted
/kəˈrʌptɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone or something to become dishonest or immoral, or to spoil or damage something, especially information.
/kəˈrʌpt/
To cause someone or something to act dishonestly or immorally.
The officials were corrupted by the lure of money and power.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a computer file that gets messed up and doesn't work anymore, or a person who starts doing bad things. It's when something good turns bad.
👶 For kids: When something good goes bad or gets broken, like a computer file that doesn't work anymore!
More Examples
The file was corrupted during the transfer and could not be opened.
The company's reputation was corrupted by scandal.
How It's Used
"The politician was accused of trying to corrupt the election by bribing voters."
"A virus can corrupt the files on your computer."
Showing a willingness to act dishonestly for one's own gain; spoiled or contaminated.
/kəˈrʌptɪd/
Dishonest and willing to use their power to do bad things.
The government was riddled with corrupted officials.
💡 Simply: Think of it like someone who uses their position to do bad stuff, or something that's been damaged and isn't working properly anymore.
👶 For kids: When someone or something is bad or broken, like a ruler who steals or a computer file that doesn't work.
More Examples
The corrupted data led to inaccurate results.
The ancient text showed signs of corrupted passages.
How It's Used
"The country was ruled by a corrupted regime."
"The corrupted file was unreadable."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
corrupt power
Power that is used dishonestly or immorally.
"The story explores the dangers of corrupt power and its impact on society."
From Latin *corrumpere* ('to spoil, destroy'), from *com-* (intensive prefix) + *rumpere* ('to break').
The word 'corrupt' has been used since the 14th century to describe something that is spoiled or morally debased.
Memory tip
Imagine a rotten apple (corrupt) spreading its decay to others.
Word Origin
"to break"