bribe
Translation
to bribe
Examples
They tried to bribe the official.
They tried to bribe the official.
He bribed his way into the event.
He bribed his way into the event.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((with sth.)) to persuade someone dishonestly to do something by giving them money or a gift He bribed the guard with money.
((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to persuade someone to do something by giving them a bribe She bribed the child to be quiet.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to corrupt, to buy off, to pay off
Etymology
From Old French 'briber', meaning 'to beg'. The sense evolved to giving a gift to influence someone.
Memory Tips
To 'bribe' is to 'buy' a favourable result. Remember 'buy-a-bribe'.