Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ruined in character or quality: Refers to something that has been damaged, debased, or made worse, especially in terms of moral integrity, purity, or original state.
   • Containing errors or alterations: Describes data, information, or a text that has been changed from its original, correct form, often becoming inaccurate or unusable.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The corrupted official was removed from office. (The official whose character was ruined by dishonest actions was removed.)
  • I cannot open the file because it is corrupted. (The file contains errors or alterations that prevent it from being used.)
  • The manuscript is a corrupted version of the original text. (The manuscript contains errors or unauthorized changes compared to the original.)

Advanced Usage

• "To become corrupted": to undergo a process of becoming ruined or altered.
  • The data became corrupted during the transfer.
• "Morally corrupted": specifically describing a person whose ethical principles have been debased.
  • He was a morally corrupted individual, willing to do anything for money.

Variants and Related Words

• Corrupt (verb/adjective): To cause to become dishonest or impure; or describing someone/something that is dishonest or debased.
  • Power can corrupt even the most honest person. (verb)
  • The corrupt regime was overthrown. (adjective)
• Corruption (noun): The act or process of corrupting; the state of being corrupt.
  • The investigation uncovered widespread corruption in the city council.
• Incorruptible (adjective): Incapable of being corrupted, especially morally.
  • She was known as an incorruptible judge.

Synonyms

• Debased: Reduced in quality or value.
• Tainted: Contaminated or spoiled.
• Falsified: Altered to deceive.
• Spoiled: Damaged or ruined in quality.

Related Phrases

• "A corrupted file": A common computing term for a digital file that is damaged and unreadable.
• "Corrupted memory": Can refer to compromised computer memory or, metaphorically, to distorted or false personal memories.

Related Idioms

• "Absolute power corrupts absolutely": A proverb meaning that unlimited power often leads to complete moral corruption in the person who holds it.
• "To corrupt someone's morals": To lead someone away from proper ethical behavior.

Adjective

1. ruined in character or quality
2. containing errors or alterations
   • a corrupt text
   • spoke a corrupted version of the language