bribe

bribe · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A sum of money or favor given to influence someone's conduct improperly.

  2. 2.

    To give money or gifts to someone to influence their actions dishonestly.

  3. 3.

    Something offered to persuade or induce.

  4. 4.

    To persuade someone to do something through inducements.

Forms

plural: bribes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bribe someone into — to corrupt someone to do something
  • •
    take a bribe — to accept corrupt payment
  • •
    offer a bribe — to attempt corruption

Related words

See also: bribery, corrupt, payoff
Synonyms: inducement, kickback, payoff, sweetener

Etymology

From Old French "bribe" meaning a piece of bread given to beggars, later extended to mean something given to corrupt. The verb developed from the noun in the 16th century.