bestechen
Translation
to bribe, to corrupt, to captivate, to charm
Examples
Er besticht den Beamten mit Geld.
He bribes the official with money.
Die Landschaft besticht durch ihre Schönheit.
The landscape captivates with its beauty.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) ((mit+3)) to bribe (sb.) (with sth.) He tried to bestechen the guard with a watch.
((durch+4)) to captivate (by sth.) The idea besticht durch its logic.
Similar Words
Synonyms: korrumpieren, schmieren; Antonyms: to be honest
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' (acting upon something) and 'stechen' (to sting, prick). It literally means 'to sting someone with something', like money, to influence them.
Memory Tips
Think of 'stinging' someone's palm with cash to bribe them. For the other meaning, think of beauty that 'stings' your heart and captivates you.