Bribe: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a general sense when someone illegally offers money or gifts to influence another person's actions, decisions, or conduct.

• He tried to offer a bribe to the police officer to let him off without a ticket.
• The official was caught accepting a bribe to change the zoning laws.

Refers to a negotiated bribery in which a commission is paid to the bribe-taker in exchange for services rendered. It usually denotes a pre-arranged percentage of the profits, often associated with contractors or politicians.

• The investigation revealed that he was receiving kickbacks from suppliers.
• Many believe the new policy was implemented due to political kickbacks.

Informal term that can sometimes carry less negative connotations than 'bribe'. It often refers to an incentive or extra benefit offered to persuade someone positively.

• They offered him a bonus as a sweetener for signing the contract.
• The company gave shareholders a sweetener in the form of extra dividends.

Typically used in British English, often in informal contexts, to describe a secret or under-the-table payment made to influence someone.

• It's rumored that she got the contract through a backhander.
• The project manager was fired for accepting backhanders from contractors.

Generally refers to offering money or gifts to someone in power to act in one's favor, particularly in an illegal or unethical manner.

• He tried to bribe the official to get the contract.
• She was caught attempting to bribe the judge.

Often used when someone tries to remove an obstacle or obtain someone's silence by offering money or valuables; usually carries a negative connotation.

• The company tried to buy off the whistleblower to keep him silent.
• He attempted to buy off the protesters by offering them money.

Refers to giving money to settle a debt or to get someone to act favorably; it can be used in both legal and illegal contexts.

• They finally managed to pay off their mortgage.
• The gangster paid off the police to avoid arrest.

Specifically involves inducing someone to commit an unlawful act, particularly perjury. This word has a strong negative connotation and is often used in legal contexts.

• The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness.
• He was charged with suborning perjury.