Definition

To change from good to bad in morals, integrity, or virtue; to become dishonest or unethical.

Example

The once honest politician began to corrupt after gaining power.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people can corrupt their values over time?

Yeah, it’s surprising how easily that can happen.

I always wonder what causes someone to corrupt their principles like that.

It probably starts with small compromises that just snowball.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Corrupt is formed from "cor-" (meaning together or with) and "rumpere" (meaning to break). The word originally described something that is broken or damaged in a moral sense, indicating a state of being morally compromised or degraded.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'broken' ('rumpere') in a moral way when it is 'together' ('cor-') with bad influences — that's why corrupt means to be morally compromised.

Visually Confused Words