Definition

The act of persuading someone to do something illegal or wrong, especially to lie in court.

Example

The lawyer was accused of subornation when he tried to convince a witness to change their testimony.

Conversation

Did you hear about that case where someone was accused of subornation?

Yeah, it sounds pretty serious. What happened?

Apparently, they tried to convince a witness to lie in court.

That's really messed up! I can't believe people would go that far.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subornation → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "ornare" (meaning to equip or adorn). The word refers to the act of secretly persuading someone to commit an unlawful act, essentially equipping them under the influence of another.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'equipped' ('ornare') to do something 'under' ('sub-') the influence of another, which helps you remember that subornation involves secretly persuading someone to act unlawfully.

Visually Confused Words