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Definition of bribery

bribery

/ˈbraɪ.bər.i/
bri · ber · y
Plural:briberies
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bribery Lexical Profile

bribery Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The corrupt practice or criminal offense of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting money or something of value in order to dishonestly influence the actions or judgment of an official or other person in a position of trust.

Example

"The former municipal inspector was convicted of bribery after accepting undisclosed payments from local construction contractors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

bribable
bribe
briber
bribery
bribetaker
bribetaking
bric-a-brac

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 14th century from Old French 'briberie', the word initially meant 'begging, vagrancy, or theft', derived from 'bribe' (a piece of bread given to a beggar). Over the 15th and 16th centuries, the meaning shifted from taking alms or extorting money to the corrupt offering or accepting of illicit gifts to influence official judgment.

Cite this Entry

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