Definition of corrupt

The word "corrupt" has a rich history. It originates from the Latin verb "corruptus," which means "to break" or "to destroy." In medieval Latin, the term "corruptus" was used to describe something that had been contaminated or perverted from its original state. Over time, the word evolved to convey the idea of moral decay or depravity. In the 14th century, the English language adopted the word "corrupt" from French, which borrowed it from Latin. Initially, the word referred to the act of breaking or spoiling something, such as food or wine. Later, its meaning expanded to include moral corruption, meaning the perversion or tainting of something's integrity or principles. Today, "corrupt" is widely used in various contexts, from politics to business, to describe acts of dishonesty, bribery, or the abuse of power.