Corruptor

/kəˈrʌptər/ noun

Definition

A person or thing that corrupts or causes corruption; someone who bribes or morally corrupts others.

Etymology

From Latin 'corruptor,' literally 'one who corrupts.' The suffix '-or' creates an agent noun, identifying the person or force that performs the action of corrupting.

Kelly Says

Ancient Rome had a whole class of these people—military generals were often called 'corruptors' if they bribed soldiers to mutiny or turn against Rome. The word carries weight because it identifies not just bad behavior, but someone whose specific job is causing corruption.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Word formation with -or ending historically defaulted to masculine agent noun in English. Female agent 'corruptress' exists but is marked (rare, archaic), indicating historical linguistic asymmetry where masculine forms were unmarked default.

Inclusive Usage

When referring to perpetrators generally, use 'corruptor' for any gender or use 'corrupt actor/agent' for neutrality.

Inclusive Alternatives

["corrupt actor","corrupt agent","corrupter (gender-neutral)"]

Related Words

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