Bribable

/ˈbraɪbəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be influenced, persuaded, or induced to act dishonestly through the offer of money or other benefits; willing to accept a bribe.

Etymology

From 'bribe' (from Old French 'bribe,' originally meaning a piece of bread given to beggars, then meaning an illicit inducement) combined with the suffix '-able,' meaning 'able to be' or 'capable of being.'

Kelly Says

Calling someone 'bribable' is particularly harsh because it suggests not just that they might commit one dishonest act, but that corruption is part of their character—the '-able' suffix turns the action into a personality trait.

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