Suborn
Verb
Definition: To induce or persuade (someone) to commit an unlawful act, especially through bribery or corruption.
Synonyms: Bribe, Corrupt, Tamper with
Antonyms: Discourage, Dissuade, Deter
- The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn witnesses in order to manipulate the trial outcome.
- The politician was arrested for attempting to suborn officials in a corruption scandal.
- "Suborn" sounds like "sub-bribe," which can help to remember its meaning of inducing by bribery.
Etymology:
From Latin "subornare" meaning "to furnish with false evidence"
Historical Usage:The term dates back to the 15th century and was commonly used in legal contexts to describe the act of bribing or influencing others to commit perjury.
Related Idioms:
"Subornation of perjury"
Explanation:A legal term that specifically refers to the act of inducing someone to commit perjury through bribery or other illegal means.
Misconceptions:
Confusing or interchanging "suborn" with "bribe" without recognizing the specific nature of suborning to commit perjury.
Explanation:While suborning involves bribery, its emphasis lies on inducing someone to commit perjury, rather than generic bribery for any purpose.