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Bribed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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bribed

[braษชbd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

illegal activity

Bribed is the past tense of the verb 'bribe.' It refers to the act of giving something, usually money or a favor, to someone to influence their actions or decisions. This practice is considered unethical and often illegal, as it undermines the integrity of institutions or individuals. Bribery can occur in various contexts, such as politics, business, or law enforcement, and can lead to severe consequences for those involved.

Synonyms

corrupted, greased, influenced, suborned.

Examples of usage

  • The official was bribed to overlook the violations.
  • He bribed the guard to gain access to the building.
  • They were caught bribing a government official.
  • Bribed officials often face legal consequences.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Perspectives

  • Bribery laws vary greatly between countries, with some places imposing severe penalties while others have lax enforcement.
  • In many jurisdictions, government officials are held to stricter standards against accepting bribes to ensure public trust.

Historical Context

  • Bribery has been recorded throughout history, with examples seen in ancient Rome where officials were bribed to overlook laws.
  • The infamous Watergate scandal of the 1970s involved bribery and cover-up, leading to significant political reforms in the U.S.

Cultural Aspects

  • In some cultures, gifting money or goods can be seen as a normal practice to build relationships, often blurring the line of bribery.
  • The concept of shaking hands or making deals in business can sometimes include elements that people view as bribing.

Modern Examples

  • Recent investigations into major corporations have revealed systemic bribery schemes to gain market advantages.
  • Social media platforms have faced scrutiny over practices where influencers are 'bribed' with gifts for promotions, raising ethical questions.

Origin of 'bribed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bribe' comes from the Old French 'bribe', meaning 'a piece' or 'fragment', originally referring to small gifts.
  • In medieval England, bribery was seen as a kind of corruption that undermined the local lords and principles of fairness.

The word 'bribe' originated from the Old French word 'bribe,' meaning 'a piece of bread' or 'morsel.' It has roots in the Latin word 'briba,' which referred to a small piece of food. The transition from its original meaning to the current definition of offering something of value for influence likely arose in the context of offering food or drink to gain favor or persuade others. The term has evolved over centuries, especially with the rise of formal governance systems, where corruption through bribery became a prevalent issue. In modern language, 'bribe' carries a strong negative connotation, reflecting societal disapproval of dishonesty and corruption in both public and private sectors.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,134, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.