noun

corruption

kuh-RUHP-shuhn/kəˈrʌpʃn/

Deterioration of integrity or sound condition.

Corruption taints public service as money changes hands under the desk.

At a civic office, money discreetly changes hands under a desk while people waiting for fair service watch uneasily, systemic dishonest conduct, no words.

Etymology

corLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+ruptLatinto break

+ionLatinaction or process

With com- perhaps intensifying “break,” the underlying image is destruction or spoiling. Spoilage also described moral decay, connecting the word with bribery and other abuses of public office.

In context

Crisis in Perception0:26

When we picture corruption, we almost always imagine bribery, backroom deals, and, you know, fundamentally dishonest individuals just cheating the system.

Corruption and Reform: Lessons from America’s Economic History — The Hidden System Behind Corruption

More examples

The investigation exposes corruption among city officials.
Data corruption makes several files impossible to open.
Embalming protects the body from corruption.

Forms

corruption · corruptions

corrupt verb — To make dishonest, damaged, or unusable.

corruptible adjective — Able to be made dishonest or impure.

Similar words

bribery: Specifically involves payments or favors used to influence decisions.
deterioration: Emphasizes worsening condition rather than dishonesty or damaged information.
decay: Usually describes gradual physical breakdown rather than dishonest conduct.