Subornation - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

Subornation is the act of persuading someone to commit perjury—to lie under oath. 🤥 It's like planting a seed of deceit in someone's mind and watching it grow into a false statement in court. This is a serious offense. Unlike simply lying yourself, you’re influencing someone else to do it. Think of it as being a puppet master of perjury. It undermines the justice system by corrupting the truth.

Etymology

The word 'subornation' originates from the Latin word 'subornare,' which means 'to secretly furnish or instigate.' 'Sub' means 'under' or 'secretly,' and 'ornare' means 'to furnish' or 'to equip.' So, subornation essentially means secretly equipping someone to do wrong. This etymology reflects the hidden, manipulative nature of the act.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The politician was accused of subornation after allegedly encouraging a witness to lie."
  • "Subornation of perjury carries severe penalties, including imprisonment."
  • "The lawyer was disbarred for subornation."
  • "He refused to participate in the subornation scheme."

Anecdote / Story

In 'How to Get Away with Murder,' Annalise Keating constantly walks the line of legality. Imagine a scenario where she needs a witness to change their story to protect her client. If she actively encourages them to lie under oath, she's committing subornation, which would add another layer of complexity to her already complicated life. It's a high-stakes game of truth and deception.

Encouragement

Knowing what 'subornation' means can help you recognize unethical or illegal situations. Stay informed and stay on the right side of the law! 👍

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