Definition of: corrupt

(kə·rupt′) adjective
1. In a state of decomposition; tainted; putrid.
2. Of a perverted character; depraved.
3. Dishonest; given to bribery. See synonyms under BAD, IMMORAL, ROTTEN.
—v.t.
1. To cause to become putrescent or putrid; spoil.
2. To render impure; taint; contaminate.
3. To destroy the fidelity or integrity of; bribe: to corrupt a voter.
4. To destroy morally; pervert; ruin.
5. To debase or lower the quality or purity of by changes or errors: to corrupt a manuscript.
6. Archaic To waste; consume; corrode.
—v.i.
7. To become rotten or corrupt; degenerate. [<OF <L corruptus, pp. of corrumpere <com- thoroughly + rumpere break]
—cor·rupt′er, cor·rup′tor noun
—cor·rupt′i·bil′i·ty, cor·rupt′i·ble·ness noun
—cor·rupt′i·ble adjective
—cor·rupt′i·bly adverb
—cor·rupt′ly adverb
—cor·rupt′ness noun Synonyms (verb): contaminate, debase, defile, deprave, deteriorate, pollute, putrefy, spoil, vitiate. See DECAY, DEFILE, PERVERT, POLLUTE, PUTREFY.