bribe

noun

\ˈbrīb

Definition of bribe

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust police officers accused of taking bribes

2 : something that serves to induce or influence offered the kid a bribe to finish his homework

bribe

verb

bribed; bribing

Definition of bribe (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to influence the judgment or conduct of (someone) with or as if with offers of money or favor : to induce or influence by or as if by bribery attempting to bribe a judge bribing a child with candy

intransitive verb

: to practice bribery

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Other Words from bribe

Verb

bribable \ˈbrī-bə-bəl

\ adjective

bribee \ˌbrī-ˈbē

\ noun

briber noun

Synonyms for bribe

Synonyms: Noun

boodle, fix, sop

Synonyms: Verb

buy, corrupt, have, pay off, square

Examples of bribe in a Sentence

Noun

I offered the children a bribe for finishing their homework. that judge refused a huge bribe to dismiss the charges against the wealthy defendant

Verb

She was arrested for attempting to bribe a judge. They bribed him to keep quiet about the incident. We bribed the children with candy.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Prosecutors said that Johnson paid bribes to Pierce in exchange for his support of rate increases at the water company that added about $10 a month to customer bills in 2011 and 2012. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "Judge slams Johnson Utilities' service, says company needs an emergency manager," 12 July 2018 In 1988, Gerald Pfeiffer, the director of the maritime division, pleaded guilty to extorting bribes and political contributions from boat owners for permits. — Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, "Where have the boats gone from Monroe Harbor, rest of Chicago lakefront?," 5 July 2018 Most people have to pay bribes to doctors and nurses for basic treatments. — The Economist, "How Sierra Leone is beating tropical diseases," 23 June 2018 Joyce, an attorney and former assistant minority leader in the Senate, has pleaded not guilty after federal prosecutors accused him of taking $1 million in bribes and kickbacks laundered through his (soon-to-be-former) Canton law office. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "In need of cash, Brian Joyce sells office — with help from his wife," 4 June 2018 Michelle Breitenbach, 38, who worked in New Jersey for the drug maker, paid kickbacks and bribes to an unspecified number of physicians in the form of speaking fees for purported education events, according to the New Jersey attorney general. — Ed Silverman, STAT, "Pharmalittle: Antibiotic shortages putting patients at risk; EMA fears staff losses as HQ move nears," 1 June 2018 Also made public was a November 2016 federal demand for records relating to a pair of contractors who are now in prison for paying bribes. — Dan Klepal, ajc, "Reed withheld subpoena aimed at airport in Atlanta bribery probe," 14 May 2018 Federal prosecutors alleged that Silver had taken advantage of his position as one of the state's most powerful politicians to obtain close to $4 million in bribes and kickbacks. — Clare Foran, CNN, "Sheldon Silver, former N.Y. Assembly speaker, convicted for second time," 12 May 2018 In one, coaches from four schools (Oklahoma State, Auburn, Southern Cal and Arizona) allegedly took bribes and kickbacks from agents in exchange for sending players their way. — Katie Mcinerney, Philly.com, "Kenny Johnson, fired Louisville assistant, joins Ashley Howard's staff at La Salle," 10 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

These solons will not be bribed into embracing the future! — Dan Rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "Rodricks: Wind resistance in Ocean City is ludicrous," 12 June 2018 The founder of Insys Therapeutics and several of the company’s sales representatives and executives have also been charged for allegedly conspiring to bribe doctors to use the company's fentanyl spray improperly. — Washington Post, "The Health 202: These are the five senators to watch in the Supreme Court nomination fight," 29 June 2018 Prosecutors say Johnson bribed Pierce to twice approve higher rates for the water company. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "Water taps dry, sewers overflow as Johnson Utilities owner faces bribery trial," 28 June 2018 Allegations swirled at the time that some lawmakers had been bribed by the government to sway their votes, along with rumors that they were involved in embezzling state funds. — Washington Post, "World Digest: July 8, 2018," 8 July 2018 Allegations swirled at the time that some lawmakers had been bribed $350 million by the government to sway their votes, along with rumors that they were involved in embezzling state funds. — Hussain Al-qatari, Fox News, "Kuwait's highest court sentences lawmakers to prison," 8 July 2018 In the photo, taken by Alexi Lubormirski (who reportedly had to bribe the ten children with candy to get the shot), Meghan is seated on the ground in front of Harry, who is seated on a green velvet chaise. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Secret Way Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Honored Princess Diana in Their Wedding Photos," 24 May 2018 Tickets for Trea Turner Several Washington Nationals players have made their pitches for their team’s speedy shortstop, but slugger Bryce Harper has gone as far as bribing fans with All-Star Game tickets. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "Who you should pick for All-Star Final Vote based on each team's pitch," 11 July 2018 Children 'become numb to it' More: Prosecutor: Man charged in Cameo shooting bribed witnesses to change stories or 'leave town' Neudigate said there is no single strategy responsible for the progress of this year. — Cameron Knight, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati sees a 46% drop in shootings. Why? Tech and no more 'zero tolerance' approach," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bribe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for bribe

The first known use of bribe was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for bribe

bribe

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bribe

(Entry 1 of 2)

: something valuable (such as money) that is given in order to get someone to do something

bribe

verb

English Language Learners Definition of bribe (Entry 2 of 2)

: to try to get someone to do something by giving or promising something valuable (such as money) : to give or offer a bribe to (someone)

See the full definition for bribe in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bribe

noun

\ˈbrīb

Kids Definition of bribe

(Entry 1 of 2)

: something given or promised to a person in order to influence dishonestly a decision or action

bribe

verb

bribed; bribing

Kids Definition of bribe (Entry 2 of 2)

: to influence or try to influence dishonestly by giving or promising something

bribe

noun

Legal Definition of bribe

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a benefit (as money) given, promised, or offered in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust (as an official or witness) — compare kickback