corruption

n 1: lack of integrity or honesty; esp susceptibility to bribery;

use of a position of trust for dishonest gain [syn: {corruptness}]

[ant: {incorruptness}]

2: in a state of progressive putrefaction [syn: {putrescence},

{putridness}, {rottenness}]

3: decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation)

4: moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles:

"the luxury and corruption among the upper classes";

"moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration";

"its brothels; its opium parlors; its depravity" [syn: {degeneracy},

{depravity}]

5: destroying someone's honesty or loyalty or moral integrity:

"corruption of a minor"