bribe

/braɪb/

/braɪb/

Other forms: bribes; bribed; bribing

You pay a bribe to get someone to do something they wouldn't do otherwise. It's usually dishonest and often criminal.

Bribes can be utterly corrupt and illegal — like when you offer a bribe to a politician so she'll make a decision in your favor. On the other hand, a bribe can be somewhat benign — like when your mom bribes you with an ice cream if you play with your little brother. When you bribe someone, you can say you're "greasing their palm."

Definitions of bribe

1. noun

   payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
   synonyms: payoff

   types:

   hush money

   a bribe paid to someone to insure that something is kept secret

   kickback

   a commercial bribe paid by a seller to a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into the transaction

   payola

   a bribe given to a disc jockey to induce him to promote a particular record

   soap

   money offered as a bribe

   type of:

   payment

   a sum of money paid or a claim discharged
2. verb

   make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence
   synonyms: buy, corrupt, grease one's palms

   types:

   sop

   give a conciliatory gift or bribe to

   buy off, pay off

   pay someone with influence in order to receive a favor

   type of:

   pay

   give money, usually in exchange for goods or services