venal

The definition of venal is corrupt or willing to take bribes.

(adjective)

An example of someone venal is a policeman who will take bribes.

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See venal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. Now Rare capable of being obtained for a price: venal services
  2. that can readily be bribed or corrupted: a venal judge
  3. characterized by bribery or corruption: a venal bargain

Origin: L venalis, salable, for sale < *venus, sale < IE *wesno-, price > Sans vasná-, price, payment, Gr ōnos, price

Related Forms:

See venal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. a. Open to bribery; mercenary: a venal police officer.
    b. Capable of betraying honor, duty, or scruples for a price; corruptible.
  2. Marked by corrupt dealings, especially bribery: a venal administration.
  3. Obtainable for a price.

Origin:

Origin: Latin vēnālis

Origin: , from vēnum, sale; see wes-3 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • veˈnal·ly adverb

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