bribe
word
Definition
Money, gifts, or favors given to someone to make them do something dishonest or illegal. It can also be used as a verb meaning to try to influence someone this way.
Usage & Nuances
Usually has a strong negative and legal meaning. Common patterns are 'pay a bribe', 'take a bribe', and 'bribe someone to do something'. In informal speech, people sometimes say 'bribe' jokingly for small rewards, like giving a child candy to cooperate, but the core meaning is corruption.
Example Sentences
He offered a bribe to the police officer.
basic
The judge refused to take the bribe.
basic
They tried to bribe him with cash.
basic
He joked that he had to bribe his kids with ice cream to leave the park.
natural
You can't just bribe your way out of every problem.
natural
If they find out you paid a bribe, you'll lose your job.
natural