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Definition of bribe

bribe

/bɹaɪb/
bribe
Plural:bribes
•
Adjective:bribable
•
Past Simple:bribed
•
Past Participle:bribed
•
Present Participle:bribing
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bribe Lexical Profile

bribe Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sum of money or other valuable item offered or given to someone in a position of trust to persuade them to act dishonestly or in one's favor.

Example

"The customs official was arrested after accepting a substantial bribe to overlook the undocumented cargo."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bribe

• verb

1

To dishonestly persuade or induce someone to act in one's favor by offering them money or another gift.

Example

"The developer attempted to bribe the city inspector to approve the faulty wiring."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bribe

• Rhymes for bribe

• Nearby Words

brian
briar
bribable
bribe
briber
bribery
bribetaker

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'bribe', originally meaning a piece of bread given to a beggar, which gradually shifted from alms to something stolen or extorted, and finally to an illicit gift offered to corrupt judgment.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bribe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bribe
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