I. kə-ˈrəpt verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere, from com- + rumpere to break — more at reave
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions ; also : bribe
b. : to degrade with unsound principles or moral values
2. : rot , spoil
3. : to subject (a person) to corruption of blood
4. : to alter from the original or correct form or version
the file was corrupt ed
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to become tainted or rotten
b. : to become morally debased
2. : to cause disintegration or ruin
Synonyms: see debase
• cor·rupt·er also cor·rup·tor -ˈrəp-tər noun
• cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty -ˌrəp-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• cor·rupt·ible -ˈrəp-tə-bəl adjective
• cor·rupt·ibly -blē adverb
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin corruptus
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : morally degenerate and perverted : depraved
b. : characterized by improper conduct (as bribery or the selling of favors)
corrupt judges
2. : putrid , tainted
3. : adulterated or debased by change from an original or correct condition
a corrupt version of the text
Synonyms: see vicious
• cor·rupt·ly -ˈrəp(t)-lē adverb
• cor·rupt·ness -ˈrəp(t)-nəs noun