corruption meaning and definition

CORRUPTION noun

Definition of corruption (noun)

1. lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain
   • synonyms: corruptness
   • antonym: incorruption
2. in a state of progressive putrefaction
   • synonyms: putrescence, putridness, rottenness
3. decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation)
4. 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"; "Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction"
   • synonyms: degeneracy, depravation, depravity, putrefaction
5. 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"
   • synonyms: subversion
6. inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony)
   • "he was held on charges of corruption and racketeering"