Having the power or tendency to corrupt; causing corruption or decay.
From Latin 'corruptivus,' derived from 'corruptus.' The suffix '-ive' indicates a capacity or tendency to perform an action, making this word describe something's inherent ability to corrupt.
Medieval scholars used this word to describe moral influences—they believed that reading the wrong books or spending time with bad people had 'corruptive' effects on your soul. It's basically saying 'this thing spreads corruption like a disease.'
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