Cor-rŭp'tion, n.

n. [Lat. corruptio, Fr. corruption, Pr. corrupcio, Sp. corrupcion, It. corruzione.] 1. The act of corrupting, or state of being corrupt or putrid; the destruction of the natural form of bodies, by the separation of the component parts, or by disorganization, in the process of putrefaction; putrescence; taint. The inducing and accelerating of putrefaction is a subject of very universal inquiry; for corruption is reciprocal to “generation.” Bacon.

2. The product of corruption; putrid matter; pus.
3. Perversion or deterioration of moral principles; loss of purity or integrity; debasement; perversion; depravity; wickedness; impurity; bribery.

It was necessary, by exposing the gross corruptions of monasteries, . . . to excite popular indignation against them. Hallam. They abstained from some of the worst methods of corruption usual to their party in its earlier days. Bancroft. Corruption of blood (Law), taint or impurity of blood, in consequence of an act of attainder of treason or felony, by which a person is disabled from inheriting any estate, or from transmitting it to others. Corruption of blood can be removed only by act of Parliament. Blackstone. Syn.—Putrescence; putrefaction; pollution; defilement; contamination; depravation; debasement; adulteration; depravity; taint. See DEPRAVITY.