Meaning of ‘integrity’ defines 2005

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a year filled with political wrangling, natural disasters and pop-culture curiosities, Americans turned to Merriam-Webster to help define it all.

Filibuster. Refugee. Tsunami. Each was among the 10 most frequently looked-up words on its online site.

But topping the list is a word that some say gives insight into the country’s collective concern about its values: Integrity.

The noun, formally defined as a “firm adherence to a code” and “incorruptibility,” has always been popular, said Merriam-Webster president John Morse. But this year, the true meaning of integrity seemed to be of extraordinary concern. About 200,000 people sought its definition online.