bribed

Bribed is the past participle and an adjective form of the verb bribe. It describes a person who has accepted a bribe or an action that has been influenced by bribery. For example, a bribed official may approve a contract or overlook rules in exchange for payment. The term emphasizes illicit exchange and the subversion of impartial decision-making.

Etymology: The word bribe appears in English from the medieval period, with uncertain origins and possible links to Old French bribe or related languages. In modern usage, bribery denotes the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to influence an official or professional action.

Legal and ethical context: Bribery is illegal in most jurisdictions and is typically prosecuted as corruption. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from public office or contracts. Corporate liability can arise from improper acting by employees or agents. Common elements across legal frameworks include the inducement of an official action, the exchange of something of value, and the abuse of trust or authority. International efforts, such as the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, seek to harmonize standards and encourage cross-border enforcement.

Forms and consequences: Bribery takes many forms, including direct cash payments, gifts, favors, kickbacks in procurement, and sometimes facilitation payments. It undermines trust, distorts markets, and weakens public policy outcomes. In sports, business, or government, bribed intermediaries or officials can bias decisions and undermine fair competition.

Prevention and enforcement: Anti-bribery programs emphasize due diligence, internal controls, transparent procurement, auditing, and whistleblower protections. Independent investigations and international cooperation help detect and sanction bribery, supporting greater accountability in both public and private sectors. See also: bribery, corruption, kickback.