crossword clue corrupt – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stumped by the clue "crossword clue corrupt", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue corrupt" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To spoil or damage the appearance or quality of something, often implying slight disfigurement.
ROT: To decompose or decay, often implying a state of moral or structural decline.
5 Letters
TAINT: To contaminate or pollute something, often used metaphorically for reputation or purity.
BRIBE: To illegally persuade someone to act in one's favor by a gift of money or other inducement, acting to corrupt them.
6 Letters
DEFILE: To spoil the purity or appearance of something; to desecrate or make impure.
7 Letters
VITIATE: To spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of something; to destroy or impair the legal validity of.
More About "crossword clue corrupt"
The term "corrupt" in crosswords is a versatile clue that can lead to a wide array of answers, reflecting its multiple meanings in the English language. It often points towards actions or states related to moral decay, dishonesty, or the physical degradation of an object or system. Puzzlers should always consider whether the clue implies a verb (an action of corrupting) or an adjective (a description of something being corrupted).
For instance, a clue hinting at a "corrupt official" might lead to answers like VENAL or BIASED, focusing on the ethical aspect. On the other hand, a clue about "corrupting data" could point to words like SPOIL or DEGRADE. The most successful approach involves analyzing the surrounding words in the clue for context clues and, of course, the given letter count, which is often the most definitive hint in crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Type: Determine if "corrupt" is used as a noun, verb, or adjective in the clue. This will narrow down the possible grammatical type of your answer.
- Consider Synonyms: Think about synonyms for "corrupt" in different contexts. Does it mean "decay," "bribe," "spoil," or "taint"? Each nuance can lead to a different answer.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to your advantage. They can quickly reveal the correct answer from a list of possibilities.
- Think of Antonyms: Sometimes, considering the opposite of "corrupt" (e.g., pure, honest) can spark ideas for related words that might be anagrams or near-misses.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'corrupt' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'corrupt' can refer to a range of meanings from moral decay or dishonesty (e.g., BRIBE, VENAL) to physical spoilage or damage (e.g., ROT, SPOIL, TAINT, MAR), or even to the act of invalidating something (e.g., VITIATE). The context of the surrounding clue words or letter count often helps determine the exact intended meaning.
Are there common word lengths for 'corrupt' answers?
Yes, 'corrupt' appears in clues that lead to answers across various lengths. Common lengths include 3-letter words like MAR or ROT, 5-letter words such as TAINT or BRIBE, 6-letter words like DEFILE or INFECT, and longer ones like VITIATE (7 letters). The length constraint is crucial for narrowing down options.
How can I distinguish between 'corrupt' as a verb versus an adjective in a clue?
Pay close attention to the grammatical context of the clue. If 'corrupt' is used as a verb (e.g., 'To corrupt officials'), the answer will likely be a verb (like BRIBE or DEFILE). If it's an adjective (e.g., 'Corrupt official'), the answer will be an adjective (like VENAL or TAINTED). Adverbs modifying 'corrupt' can also signal a verb answer, while nouns might suggest a state or person. Look for prepositions, articles, and verb conjugations in the clue.