bribe

bribe / bribe

NounTransitive Verb

pl: bribespast: bribedpp: bribeding: bribing

This term carries a strong negative moral and legal connotation, implying a betrayal of duty or a corruption of integrity. It is distinct from a gift or a tip because it specifically targets a person in a position of power or trust to manipulate an outcome. In legal contexts, the word is used to describe a criminal act of corruption. In casual conversation, it can be used playfully to describe small rewards given to children or friends to encourage a specific behavior, though the underlying concept of transactional influence remains the same.

Meanings

Nounbribe

Money or a gift given to someone in a position of trust to persuade them to act in a way that is dishonest or illegal.

"The official was arrested for accepting a bribe to ignore the building code violations."

Transitive Verbbribe

[~ someone (with something)]

To give money or a valuable gift to someone in order to persuade them to do something for your benefit, often something dishonest.

"He tried to bribe the witness to change her testimony during the trial."

Last Updated: June 18, 2026•Report an Error