Bribery
/ˈbraɪbəri/
Definitions
The act of giving or offering something of value (money, goods, favors, etc.) to influence a decision or action.
/ˈbraɪbəri/
The act of giving or receiving bribes.
The police officer was arrested for accepting a bribe.
💡 Simply: Giving someone money or something else to make them do something for you that they shouldn't.
More Examples
The company was found guilty of bribery in a foreign country.
How It's Used
"The case involved allegations of bribery and corruption."
"Bribery is a serious offense that undermines democratic processes."
Idioms & expressions
on the take
Willing to accept bribes.
"The mayor was rumored to be on the take."
From Middle English *briberie, from Old French *briberie, from briber "to bribe," of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old French *brochier "to pierce, broach," suggesting the idea of piercing or entering to corrupt.
Historically, bribery has been a pervasive issue across societies, appearing in legal texts and literature from ancient times.
Memory tip
Think of 'bribe' as 'buying' influence.