corrupt

/kə-ˈrəpt/

Middle English, from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere, from com- + rumpere to break

verb

  1. to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; also : bribe

  2. to degrade with unsound principles or moral values

  3. rot, spoil

Officials were corrupted by greed.

Some fear the merger will corrupt the competitive marketplace.

debase vitiate deprave corrupt debauch pervert mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity. vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect.

adjective

  1. morally degenerate and perverted : depraved

  2. characterized by improper conduct (such as bribery or the selling of favors)

  3. putrid, tainted

corrupt judges

vicious villainous iniquitous nefarious corrupt degenerate mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct. vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence. villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.