Definition of corrupt

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cor·rupt    (k-rpt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Marked by immorality and perversion; depraved.
2. Venal; dishonest: a corrupt mayor.
3. Containing errors or alterations, as a text: a corrupt translation.
4. Archaic Tainted; putrid.

VERB:
cor·rupt·ed, cor·rupt·ing, cor·rupts
VERB:
tr.

1. To destroy or subvert the honesty or integrity of.
2. To ruin morally; pervert.
3. To taint; contaminate.
4. To cause to become rotten; spoil.
5. To change the original form of (a text, for example).
6. Computer Science To damage (data) in a file or on a disk.

VERB:
intr.

To become corrupt.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere, to destroy : com-, intensive pref. ; see com- + rumpere, to break; see reup- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
cor·rupter or cor·ruptor(Noun), cor·ruptive(Adjective), cor·ruptly(Adverb), cor·ruptness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
corrupt, debase, debauch, deprave, pervert, vitiate

These verbs mean to ruin utterly in character or quality: was corrupted by limitless power; debased himself by pleading with the captors; a youth debauched by drugs and drink; indulgence that depraves the moral fiber; perverted her talent by putting it to evil purposes; a proof vitiated by a serious omission.