buy off — to persuade someone to stop opposing or causing trouble by giving them money, often illegally
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to persuade someone to stop opposing or causing trouble by giving them money, often illegally
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbaɪ ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- The gangster tried to buy off the judge with a suitcase full of money, but the judge just laughed and called the police.
- The politician was accused of buying off several officials to approve the shady construction project.
- My little brother tried to buy me off with candy so I wouldn't tell mom he broke the vase.
buy off
VERB[/ˈbaɪ ɔːf/]
to persuade someone to stop opposing or causing trouble by giving them money, often illegally
The gangster tried to buy off the judge with a briefcase of cash.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'bycgan' (to buy) combined with 'off' indicating removal or separation, originally meaning to pay for someone's release, later extended to bribery.
Breakdown
buy (to purchase) + off (away, removal)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The gangster tried to buy off the judge with a suitcase full of money, but the judge just laughed and called the police.”
“The politician was accused of buying off several officials to approve the shady construction project.”
“My little brother tried to buy me off with candy so I wouldn't tell mom he broke the vase.”
“The company was fined heavily for trying to buy off environmental inspectors.”
📚Related Words
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