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Suborn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suborn

[səˈbɔːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal term

To induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act or give false testimony, typically as a form of bribery.

Synonyms

bribe, corrupt, entice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suborn

Usually used in legal contexts when someone convinces another person to commit an illegal act, often by bribing them to give false testimony. This word has a negative connotation.

  • The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness in order to win the case.
  • He was arrested for attempting to suborn an official to alter the documents.
bribe

Used when someone offers money or gifts to persuade another person to act in their favor, usually illegally or unethically. This word also has a negative connotation.

  • He tried to bribe the officer to avoid getting a speeding ticket.
  • The company was caught bribing officials to secure the contract.
corrupt

Often used to describe someone or something as dishonest or unethical, usually because they have been influenced by bribery or other immoral actions. This word has a strong negative connotation.

  • The corrupt politician faced numerous charges of embezzlement and fraud.
  • A corrupt system makes it difficult for justice to prevail.
entice

Used when someone is attracted or lured into doing something, often with the promise of something appealing. This word does not necessarily carry a negative connotation unless the context involves deception or harmful intent.

  • They used discounts to entice customers into their store.
  • She was enticed by the prospect of earning a high salary.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of attempting to suborn a witness.
  • The defense attorney was charged with suborning perjury.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To persuade (someone) to do something illegal or dishonest.

Synonyms

coerce, manipulate, tempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suborn

This word is often used in legal or official settings when someone is secretly bribed or induced to commit an unlawful act.

  • He was accused of trying to suborn witnesses in the trial.
  • The official was caught attempting to suborn a judge.
coerce

This word is appropriate when someone is forced or threatened to do something against their will. It has a negative connotation.

  • The suspect claims the confession was coerced.
  • They tried to coerce her into signing the document.
manipulate

Use this word when someone is influencing or controlling others in a clever or unfair way, often for personal gain. It usually carries a negative implication.

  • He manipulated the data to fit his theory.
  • She knows how to manipulate people to get what she wants.
tempt

This word is used when someone is attracted or enticed to do something, especially something that may be wrong or unwise.

  • The dessert table was designed to tempt the guests.
  • He was tempted to skip the meeting and go to the beach.

Examples of usage

  • The criminal tried to suborn the security guard into letting him escape.
  • She refused to suborn her colleagues into lying for her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

  • In law, to suborn is often associated with suborning perjury, meaning to persuade someone to lie under oath.
  • The act of subornation is considered a serious offense in many judicial systems, as it undermines the integrity of legal proceedings.
  • Both the person who offers the inducement and the person who accepts it may be held criminally liable.

Literature

  • Shakespeare used the term in his play 'Hamlet', reflecting its deep roots in English literature.
  • More recently, prominent authors have used the concept of subornation to explore themes of corruption and betrayal.
  • The word often appears in thriller novels, where characters are coerced into committing crimes.

Psychology

  • The psychology of subornation engages with moral dilemmas, showcasing how people can be influenced to act against their better judgment.
  • Studies suggest that individuals may be more easily suborned when they are in compromising situations or under pressure.
  • Understanding why someone might choose to act under subornation helps in analyzing behaviors related to temptation and ethics.

Cultural References

  • In film and television, themes of suborning often appear in crime dramas, highlighting the darker side of human relationships.
  • The concept can be related to topics like bribery and conspiracy, which are prevalent in political contexts around the world.
  • Subornation is often portrayed as a catalyst for dramatic conflict within stories, driving characters to make moral choices.

Origin of 'suborn'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'suborn' comes from the Latin 'subornare', where 'sub' means 'under' and 'ornare' means 'to equip' or 'to furnish'.
  • It originally referred to equipping someone with a bribe or mean to do something sneaky.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in legal contexts.

The word 'suborn' originated from the Latin 'subornare', which means 'to secretly furnish or equip'. It was first recorded in English in the 16th century. Initially, it was used in a more general sense of 'to secretly procure or instigate'. Over time, its meaning evolved to focus more on illegal or dishonest acts, particularly in a legal context.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,276, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.