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suborn

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "suborn": To suborn someone is to induce or bribe them to commit an unlawful act, most commonly perjury or giv

What does "suborn" mean?

To suborn someone is to induce or bribe them to commit an unlawful act, most commonly perjury or giving false testimony in a legal proceeding. The mental image is of a puppet master pulling strings behind the scenes, corrupting a witness's integrity to secure a favorable outcome. It is a formal, legalistic term almost exclusively used in the context of courtrooms and criminal investigations. You will rarely hear this in casual conversation; it is typically reserved for news reports about corruption, legal thrillers, or formal indictments.

"suborn" in conversation

Discussing a legal scandal

Did you see the news about the defense attorney?

Did you see the news about the defense attorney?

Yeah, he was arrested for trying to suborn a witness.

Yeah, he was arrested for trying to suborn a witness.

That is a career-ending move right there.

That is a career-ending move right there.

Used here to describe a serious criminal charge.

Writing a crime novel

The villain needs to ensure the jury is swayed.

The villain needs to ensure the jury is swayed.

Maybe have him suborn the lead investigator?

Maybe have him suborn the lead investigator?

Shows the word's common usage in crime fiction contexts.

"suborn" in a sentence

  1. He was accused of trying to suborn the jurors.

    He was accused of trying to suborn the jurors.

  2. The prosecution alleged that the defendant suborned witnesses to lie under oath.

    The prosecution alleged that the defendant suborned witnesses to lie under oath.

  3. The investigation revealed a complex scheme designed to suborn public officials through bribery and intimidation.

    The investigation revealed a complex scheme designed to suborn public officials through bribery and intimidation.

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