hush money

noun

1. a bribe to keep someone silent about something, especially to keep the receiver from exposing a scandal.

hush money

noun

1. slang.
   money given to a person, such as an accomplice, to ensure that something is kept secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of hush money¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Idioms and Phrases

A bribe paid to keep something secret, as in No amount of hush money will keep that scandal from coming out . [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Trump had been scheduled to be sentenced next week, on Nov. 26, for a conviction on 34 felony counts relating to falsified business records concerning hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

From Salon

Trump cannot directly fire Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who convicted the president-elect on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

From Salon

The central figure in the hush money case against the former president roasted Trump with the help of comedian and impersonator Matt Friend.

From Salon

Trump has not gone yet to trial in any of the pending criminal cases against him, except the New York hush money case; he was convicted there and faces sentencing Nov. 26.

From Salon

According to Maddow, the recording and documents indicate that Trump's lawyers “were apparently planning to launder the new hush money payment to Stormy Daniels through the payment of a legal judgment.”

From Salon

Related Words

• kickback