Bribe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈbrīb/

Meaning & Definition of Bribe

Bribe (noun)

  1. money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust
  2. something that serves to induce or influence

Bribe (verb)

  1. 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
  2. to practice bribery

Bribe (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision

    "that judge refused a huge bribe to dismiss the charges against the wealthy defendant"

    similar: backhander (British), boodle, cumshaw, fix, sop
    related: baksheesh, kickback, payoff, slush fund, incentive, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulation, stimulus, boost, encouragement, goad, inducement, allurement, bait, enticement, lure, seduction, temptation, turn-on, flattery, persuasion, decoy, snare, trap

Bribe (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to influence someone with a bribe

    "meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public"

    similar: buy, corrupt, have, pay off, square, get at, grease the hand of, oil the hand of
    related: fix, tamper (with), abase, debase, debauch, defile, degrade, demean, deprave, dishonor, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, taint, warp, allure, bait, beguile, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt, motivate, provoke, spur, stimulate, goad, induce, flatter, persuade, snare, trap

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Bribe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Bribe:

British: backhander
boodle, cumshaw, fix, sop, buy, corrupt, have, pay off, square, get at, grease the hand of, oil the hand of

Related Words for Bribe

baksheesh, kickback, payoff, slush fund, incentive, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulation, stimulus, boost, encouragement, goad, inducement, allurement, bait, enticement, lure, seduction, temptation, turn-on, flattery, persuasion, decoy, snare, trap, tamper (with), abase

Word Forms of Bribe

Inflections: bribed, bribing

Derived words: bribable (adjective), bribee (noun), briber (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Bribe

Middle English, morsel given to a beggar, bribe, from Anglo-French, morsel

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Bribe

What does "Bribe" mean?

"Bribe" means money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Bribe"?

Other words for "Bribe" include backhander, boodle, cumshaw, fix, sop, buy, corrupt and have. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Bribe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Bribe"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Bribe". Common alternatives include backhander, boodle, cumshaw, fix, sop, buy, corrupt, have, pay off and square.

How do you use "Bribe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Bribe" in a sentence: "that judge refused a huge bribe to dismiss the charges against the wealthy defendant"; "meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public".

Is "Bribe" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Bribe" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Bribe"?

"Bribe" is pronounced /ˈbrīb/.

What is the origin of the word "Bribe"?

"Bribe" comes from Middle English, morsel given to a beggar, bribe, from Anglo-French, morsel. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Bribe" meaning "something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision"?

When "Bribe" (noun) means something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision, synonyms include backhander, boodle, cumshaw, fix and sop.