Bribery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bribery

[หˆbraษชbษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

corruption

The act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value with the intention of influencing the actions of an individual or organization in a dishonest or illegal manner.

Synonyms

bribe, corruption, graft, kickback.

Examples of usage

  • The company was involved in bribery to secure government contracts.
  • He was arrested for bribery and corruption.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

The practice of offering money or other incentives to politicians or public officials in exchange for favorable decisions or treatment.

Synonyms

bribe, corruption, graft, kickback.

Examples of usage

  • There are strict laws against bribery in politics.
  • The scandal involved bribery of government officials.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Perspectives

  • Bribery is considered a crime in many countries, classified as corruption and can lead to severe penalties.
  • In the United States, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act was enacted to prevent bribery of foreign officials.

Pop Culture

  • Bribery often features in movies and books, depicting how people manipulate laws for personal gain, such as in crime dramas.
  • Popular TV shows like 'House of Cards' explore the dark side of politics, showcasing bribery as a common plot element.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often rationalize bribery as a means to justify their actions, prioritizing self-interest.
  • Research indicates that the social context can influence perceptions of bribery, making it more acceptable in certain environments.

Historical Context

  • Bribery has existed since ancient civilizations, often seen in political maneuvering in Rome and Greece.
  • The concept of bribery has evolved, with historical incidents like the Tammany Hall corruption in 19th century America showcasing systemic issues.

Origin of 'bribery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bribe' comes from the Old French 'bribe' meaning 'a piece' or 'morsel', indicating a small offering.
  • In Latin, 'bribare' referred to breaking or disturbing, which connects to the disturbance caused by corruption.

The word 'bribery' originated from the Middle English word 'bribrie', which meant theft or robbery. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer specifically to the act of offering or receiving bribes. Bribery has been a common practice throughout history, often associated with corruption in government, business, and other sectors. Laws and regulations have been put in place to combat bribery and punish those involved in corrupt practices.


See also: briber.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,924, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.