corruption

(noun) lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain. Synonyms: corruptness.

(noun) in a state of progressive putrefaction. Synonyms: putrescence, putridness, rottenness.

(noun) decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation).

(noun) moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles. Synonyms: degeneracy, depravation, depravity, putrefaction. Examples: "The luxury and corruption among the upper classes." "Moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration." "Its brothels, its opium parlors, its depravity." "Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction."

(noun) destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity. Synonyms: subversion. Examples: "Corruption of a minor." "The big city's subversion of rural innocence."

(noun) inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony). Example: "He was held on charges of corruption and racketeering."