bribe
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹaɪb// UK //bɹˈaɪb// bribe
n. money or a gift given to someone to influence their decision or action, often in a way that is not honest.
n. a payment or gift made to influence the judgment or actions of a person in a position of authority, typically implying corruption or undue influence.
The official accepted a bribe to ignore the fine.
The contractor offered a bribe to speed up the building permit process.
The investigation revealed that the contract was awarded not on merit, but because the director had accepted a substantial bribe from the bidding company.
From Middle English bribe, from Old French briber (“go begging”), from the noun bribe (“a gift”).