verb / noun

pervert

per-VERT/pərˈvɜːrt/

To distort or corrupt something from its intended purpose.

The official perverts the donation program by diverting food into a private chest.

A dishonest official redirects donated food from an open communal distribution basket into a private locked chest beside the table while a waiting recipient holds an empty bowl.

Etymology

The image is of turning something away from its proper direction. Physical overturning became figurative corruption: redirecting truth, justice, or another thing from its rightful purpose.

In context

Libranima128:55

as thou sawest her in the full perfection of her beauty; for the enchantment does not go so far as to pervert thy vision or hide her loveliness from thee

Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

They perverted a safety rule into an excuse for discrimination.
She refuses to pervert the truth to protect her boss.
Using charity funds for personal gain perverts the organization's purpose.

Forms

pervert · perverts · perverted · perverting

perversion noun — A distortion of something's purpose or meaning.

Similar words

distort: Emphasizes misrepresenting facts or meaning rather than corrupting purpose.
corrupt: Emphasizes damaging integrity or honesty, often through improper influence.
subvert: Emphasizes undermining a system or authority, often from within.