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

Examples:
  • 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.
Mnemonics:
  • "Suborn" sounds like "sub-bribe," which can help to remember its meaning of inducing by bribery.

Etymology:

Origin:

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:

Idiom:

"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:

Misconception:

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.

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