bribe
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: bribes · bribing · bribed
Sense 1
Something (usually money) given in exchange for influence or as an inducement to breaking the law.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
The act of offering or paying such a payment: an act of bribery.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To give a bribe to; specifically, to ask a person to do something against their original will, in exchange for some type of reward or relief from potential trouble.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To gain by a bribe; to induce as by a bribe.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bribe” mean?
Something (usually money) given in exchange for influence or as an inducement to breaking the law.
Is “bribe” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.