corruption (n.)

corrumpere (lat.): com- + rumpere

com-: with, together, entirely, integer

used in compounds to indicate the completeness, perfecting of any act, and thus gives intensity to the signification of the simple word

rumpere: to break, rupture, burst, split

In philosophy the term corruption corresponds to the Greek concept of phthora, which is the opposite of the term genesis 'production, birth'. When corruption occurs, the original thing ceases to be in such a way that it cannot be defined through its original name anymore.

corruption

1. dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by powerful people

2. departure from the original, or from what is complete or correct

3. physical decay