Bribe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
bribe
[braษชb ]
Definitions
corruption
A sum of money or other inducement offered or given in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust.
Synonyms
backhander, kickback, sweetener.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bribe |
Used in a general sense when someone illegally offers money or gifts to influence another person's actions, decisions, or conduct.
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| kickback |
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.
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| sweetener |
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.
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| backhander |
Typically used in British English, often in informal contexts, to describe a secret or under-the-table payment made to influence someone.
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Examples of usage
- he was convicted of accepting bribes
- an investigation into police corruption revealed widespread bribery
corruption
Persuade (someone) to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement.
Synonyms
buy off, pay off, suborn.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bribe |
Generally refers to offering money or gifts to someone in power to act in one's favor, particularly in an illegal or unethical manner.
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| buy off |
Often used when someone tries to remove an obstacle or obtain someone's silence by offering money or valuables; usually carries a negative connotation.
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| pay off |
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.
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| suborn |
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.
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Examples of usage
- an attempt to bribe voters
- he was accused of bribing officials
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Perspective
- Bribery is illegal in many countries, as it undermines fairness and justice in both public and private sectors.
- There are strict laws, like the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the U.S., which prohibit bribing foreign officials.
Psychology
- People might be more susceptible to accepting bribes when they feel undervalued or underappreciated in their roles.
- Research indicates that the psychology of reciprocity plays a role in accepting bribes; individuals may feel obliged to repay favors with actions.
Cultural References
- In many films and books, bribes are depicted as a common way for characters to wield power or influence, often leading to dramatic consequences.
- Countries with higher perceived corruption levels often see bribery as normalized behavior in politics and business.
Historical Examples
- Throughout history, bribery has been used by various leaders to gain loyalty or silence opponents, famously evidenced by political scandals.
- The infamous Watergate scandal involved bribery and cover-ups, highlighting the dark side of power and corruption in politics.
Origin of 'bribe'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Middle English word 'bribe,' which meant โa piece of bread.' At that time, it referred to the act of giving a snack to someone for help.
- The word has roots in the Old French term 'bribe' meaning โa morsel,โ illustrating the connection between food and gaining favor.
The word 'bribe' originated from the Old French word 'briber', meaning 'to beg, borrow, or steal'. The concept of bribing has a long history and has been a common practice in various cultures throughout the centuries, often associated with corruption and unethical behavior.