The phrase “buy off” is often used in various contexts, but its meaning may not be clear to everyone. This article aims to provide a comprehensive definition and meaning of the term “buy off.”
Definitions
To “buy off” means to pay someone to do something dishonest or illegal or to persuade them to stop opposing or criticizing you. It can also mean to pay someone to leave a job or a position of power.
Origin
The term “buy off” has been in use since the early 19th century. Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to have been derived from the idea of buying someone’s loyalty or silence by offering them a bribe or a payoff.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “buy off” means to pay someone to stop doing something, especially something illegal or harmful. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as to bribe or persuade someone to do something dishonest or to stop opposing you.
Associations
The term “buy off” is often associated with corruption, bribery, and dishonesty. It is commonly used in political and business contexts, where people with power and influence may try to buy off their opponents or critics to protect their interests.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “buy off” include bribe, payoff, induce, corrupt, persuade, and influence.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “buy off” include resist, oppose, defy, challenge, and confront.
The same root words
The term “buy off” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to other terms such as “bribery,” “payoff,” and “corruption.”
Example Sentences
- The company tried to buy off the environmental activists by offering them a large sum of money.
- The politician was accused of trying to buy off his opponent by offering him a government position.
- The union leader was bought off by the management to end the strike.
- The businessman was caught trying to buy off the government officials to get a favorable contract.
- The coach was accused of trying to buy off the referee to win the game.