bribe

6 definitions • 10 examples

to try to make someone do something for you by giving them money, presents, or something else that they want :

He bribed immigration officials and entered the country illegally.

[ + to infinitive ] They bribed the waiter to find them a better table.

money or a present that you give to someone so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest:

accept a bribe He was accused of accepting bribes from wealthy businessmen.

take a bribe The judge took a bribe in exchange for giving a lenient sentence to the defendant.

the act of giving someone money or something else of value, often illegally, to persuade that person to do something you want:

Congressmen have been accused of accepting bribes to pass bills favoring particular companies.

to give someone money or something else of value, often illegally, to persuade that person to do something you want:

He was accused of bribing a building inspector.

to try to make someone do something for you, often something dishonest, by giving them money, gifts, or something else that they want:

bribe sb with sth They were accused of trying to bribe voters with promises of tax cuts.

bribe sb to do sth Corrupt officials had been bribed to approve shoddy construction work.

money or a gift that you give to someone so that they will do something for you, often something dishonest:

offer/accept/take a bribe He was accused of accepting bribes from wealthy businessmen.

It was easy to see the gift as a sort of bribe.