Bribery

/ˈbraɪbəri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of giving or receiving a bribe, which is a payment made to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority.

The investigation revealed widespread bribery within the city council.

Something given in order to influence someone, especially a payment made to corrupt a person's integrity.

The politician was accused of accepting bribery from various lobbyists.

The practice of offering something (typically money) in order to gain an illicit advantage.

Bribery is a serious crime that undermines trust in public institutions.

An illegal act where a person uses money or gifts to persuade someone to act in their favor.

Bribery was rampant in the awarding of government contracts.

From the Middle English 'bribery', from 'bribe' + '-ery'.

grease someone's palm

To bribe someone, especially a public official.

pay off

To give someone money in exchange for influence or actions.

under the table

Referring to illicit payments, such as in bribery.

bribe

To persuade someone to act in one's favor, typically by giving a gift.

corrupt

Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly for personal gain.

extortion

The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

sweetener

He slipped a sweetener to the inspector to get his approval.

under-the-table deal

They made an under-the-table deal to avoid scrutiny.