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soudoyer

bribe

verb soo-dwah-YEH Rare

Usage Note

Soudoyer means to corrupt someone with money or favours to obtain a service, especially an illegal or dishonest one. It is stronger and more literary than corrompre. The noun soudoiement exists but is rare; in practice, corruption or pot-de-vin (bribe, literally 'jug of wine') is preferred in journalistic contexts.

Examples

"Il a tenté de soudoyer le juge."

Natural Translation

He tried to bribe the judge.

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