rupt-, -rupting, -ruption

1. The act or process of corrupting.
2. The state of being corrupt.
3. Decay; rot.
4. Etymologically the word "corruption" comes from the Latin verb corruptus "to break"; past participle of corrumpere "to destroy" [com-, "together with", intensive prefix + rumpere, "to break"].

Conceptually, corruption is a form of behavior, which departs from ethics, morality, tradition, law, and civic virtue.

Extended definitions and examples

• Lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain [syn: corruptness] [ant: incorruptness].
• In a state of progressive putrefaction [syn: putrescence, putridness, rottenness].
• Decay of matter; as by rot or oxidation.
• Moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles: "the luxury and corruption among the upper classes"; "moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration"; "its brothels; its opium parlors; its depravity" [syn: degeneracy, depravity].
• Destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity: "corruption of a minor"; "the big city's subversion of rural innocence" [syn: subversion].
• Inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by committing a felony): "He was held on charges of corruption and racketeering."

One who defends or practices corruption, particularly in politics.

1. Tending to corrupt or pervert.
2. Having a bad effect on someone's character or behavior.

Not susceptible to corruption or decay; incorruptible.

In a corrupt manner; by means of corruption or corrupting influences; wrongfully.

A woman who corrupts.

1. To throw into confusion, turmoil, or disorder: Protesters disrupted the candidate's speech.
2. To interrupt, destroy (usually temporarily), or impede the progress, movement, or procedure of: "Our efforts in the garden were disrupted by an early frost."
3. To break apart, to disrupt a connection, or to burst; to rupture.

Marked by breaks or gaps; "many routes are unsafe or disrupted".

1. The act of causing disorder.
2. An event that results in a displacement or discontinuity.
3. A disorderly outburst or tumult.
4. An act of delaying or interrupting a continuity.

1. To emerge violently from restraint or limits; to explode: "My neighbor erupted in anger over the noise."
2. To become violently active: "The volcano erupted after years of dormancy."
3. To force out or to release something; such as, steam, with violence or suddenness.
4. To suddenly appear on the skin; such as, a rash or blemish.

1. A sudden explosion that sent out rocks, ash, lava, etc.: "The volcano erupted with tremendous force."
2. Something that came out in a sudden explosion: "Steam erupted from the geyser."
3. That which happened or started suddenly and violently: "A bitter dispute erupted among the members of the football team."
4. Something that started suddenly; such as, shouting or applauding: "The audience erupted in applause when she finished her speech."
5. Appeared suddenly on the skin: "A rash erupted on his back."

The act, instance of, or process of coming out in a sudden explosion, happens or begins suddenly and violently, etc.; such as, a volcanic eruption, a sudden eruption of violence, a skin eruption, etc.