Suborn

/səˈbɔːn/ · verb

Meaning

(also figuratively) To induce (someone) to commit an unlawful or malicious act, especially in a corrupt manner..

Definitions by Sense

1. (also figuratively) To induce (someone) to commit an unlawful or malicious act, especially in a corrupt manner.
2. To achieve (some result; specifically, perjury) in a corrupt manner.
3. To procure or provide (something) secretly and often in a dishonest manner.
4. To make use of (something), especially for corrupt or dishonest reasons.
5. To aid, assist, or support (something).
6. To furnish or provide (something).
7. To substitute (a thing) for something else, especially secretly and often in a dishonest manner.

Example Sentences

Till thou to ſpit the venome of thy ſpite, / Subornedſt Cupid how he ſoone might ſlay me, / Abandoning his bowe and arrowes quite, / You laid his priuie complot to betray me; […]

[H]ee ſuborneth one named Saulus and the ſouldiers of the Ievves to follovv the Gothes hard at the heeles, vvho killing ſome thouſands of them, oportunitie beeing offered, might by that meanes exaſperat at the mindes of the people and mooue them to breake the league.

[U]pon ſingle Perjuries ſuborned by themſelves they condemned Men unheard, and ſold their Eſtates vvithout ſuffering them to ſpeak for themſelves— […]

[F]or my part, I vvould as ſoon ſuborn an Evidence at an Aſſize, as a Vote at an Election.

In a golden bowl / She then suborn'd a potion, in her soul / Deform'd things thinking; for amidst the wine / She mix'd her man-transforming medicine; […]

Firm we ſubſiſt, yet poſſible to ſwerve, / Since Reaſon not impoſſibly may meet / Some ſpecious object by the Foe ſubornd, […]

Behold of ev'ry age; ripe manhood ſee, / Decrepit years, and helpleſs infancy: / Thoſe who, by lingring ſickneſs, loſe their breath; / And thoſe vvho, by deſpair, ſuborn their death: […]

Be ready at my Call, my choſen fevv / VVith arms adminiſter'd ſhall aid thy Crevv. / Then entring unexpected vvill vve ſeize / Our deſtin'd Prey, from Men diſſolv'd in eaſe; / By VVine diſabled, unprepar'd for Fight; / And haſt'ning to the Seas ſuborn our Flight: […]

Synonyms for suborn

Antonyms for suborn

Related Words

Word Forms

• suborns
• suborning
• suborned
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• suborn
• subornest
• subornedst
• suborneth
• -

Usage Notes

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