Currently making something illegitimate, impure, or corrupted; the ongoing process of debasing something (American spelling).
Present participle of bastardize, formed with the -ing suffix. Emphasizes the continuous or progressive nature of the corrupting action.
The -ing form lets speakers focus on process rather than completion—critics discussing 'bastardizing influences' imply an ongoing, perhaps unstoppable corruption, which is more dramatic than 'bastardized influences.'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.