Corruption
/kəˈrʌp.ʃən/noun
The act of corrupting or the state of being corrupt, often involving moral decay or dishonesty.
Did you know?The word 'corruption' stems from Latin roots meaning 'to break together,' hinting at the collective moral decay of society.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
corruptio
“Act of breaking or spoiling, often morally.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
corruptus
“Broken, ruined, or spoiled.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
corruptio
“Decaying state, often in context of moral decline.”
14th Century
Middle English
corupcioun
“Moral degradation or decay.”
Modern English
English
corruption
“Refers to both moral and physical decay or dishonesty.”