bribeverb [ T ]
uk/braɪb/us/braɪb/C1 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.
More examples
- He discovered that certain corrupt officials had been bribed to approve shoddy construction work.
- Apparently various prominent businessmen had been bribing the minister for favours.
- He bribed the children with sweets and pocket money not to tell their mum what he'd done.
- "You can have my chocolate bar if you'll tell me the answer." "Are you trying to bribe me?"
- They should not have been allowed over the border, but somehow they managed to bribe the guards.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Fraud & corruption
- baksheesh
- blackmail
- buy sb off
- cook
- cook the books idiom
- corrupt
- corruption
- fraudulent accounting
- front for sth
- game-fixing
- get at sb
- graft
- impersonate
- imposture
- perjury
- Ponzi scheme
- rort
- shell
- siphon sth off
- suborn
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bribenoun [ C ]
uk/braɪb/us/braɪb/C1 money or a present that you give to someone so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest:
He was accused of accepting/taking bribes from wealthy businessmen.
More examples
- It was easy to see the gift as a sort of bribe.
- He showed great strength of character when he refused to accept the bribes.
- Greenway appeared at Bow Street Magistrates' Court to face seven charges of accepting bribes.
- His political career ended when he compromised himself by accepting bribes.
- The only way I can get him to do his homework is by offering him bribes.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Payment methods
- ATM card
- baksheesh
- bank card
- bill
- blank cheque
- cash
- cash card
- cashpoint card
- certified cheque
- giro
- gratuity
- hard cash
- hush money
- per annum
- piece
- smart card
- standing order
- sweetener
- traveller's cheque
- voucher
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bribery
noun [ U ] uk/ˈbraɪ.bər.i/us/ˈbraɪ.bɚ.i/
C2
The organization was rife with bribery and corruption.