Definition

1. Noun:
   • The practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage: "Bribery" refers to the act of giving or promising money, gifts, or other benefits to someone in a position of power or trust to influence their actions or decisions dishonestly.

Usage

• "Bribery" is an uncountable noun, so it is typically used without an indefinite article ("a" or "an"). It refers to the general practice or crime.
• It is often used in legal, political, and business contexts to describe corrupt activities.
• Common collocations include: "to engage in bribery," "to be accused of bribery," "bribery scandal," "bribery case," and "bribery charges."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The company was involved in a major bribery scandal.
  • The official was arrested on charges of bribery and corruption.
  • The new law aims to combat bribery in government contracts.

Advanced Usage

• "To be guilty of bribery": To have committed the crime of offering or accepting a bribe.
  • The politician was found guilty of bribery and sentenced to prison.
• "Bribery and corruption": A common phrase linking the specific act of bribery to the broader system of dishonest conduct.
  • The investigation focused on bribery and corruption within the police force.

Variants and Related Words

• Bribe (n): The thing offered or given in a bribery attempt (e.g., money, a gift).
  • He was offered a bribe to keep quiet.
• Bribe (v): To offer or give a bribe to someone.
  • They attempted to bribe the customs official.
• Bribable (adj): Susceptible to being bribed; corruptible.
  • The system failed because of bribable officials.

Synonyms

• Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often involving bribery.
• Graft: The acquisition of money, gain, or advantage by dishonest, unfair, or illegal means, especially through the abuse of one's position.
• Payoff: A bribe or the act of bribing (informal).

Related Phrases

• "To grease someone's palm" (idiom): To bribe someone.
  • He had to grease a few palms to get the permit approved.
• "Kickback" (n): A form of bribe where a person receives a portion of the money involved in a transaction as a reward for facilitating the deal.
  • The contract was awarded in exchange for a kickback.

Noun

1. the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage