Unit 29. Government Corruption

Word

Definition

Example

bribery

giving money or other gifts to a government to get special privileges

He was accused of bribery by government officials.

cynically

distrustful of human integrity

He is cynically manipulating public fears in an attempt to achieve his political ends.

erode

to wear away

Competition in the financial marketplace has eroded profits.

evade

To get away from something that tries to catch you

Dressed in the fast food icon's familiar white suit and black bow tie, the actor evaded security

grotesque

extremely unattractive

Gothic churches are full of devils and grotesque figures.

integrity

personal honesty and good character

He is a man of great moral integrity

prevalent

common

This negative attitude is surprisingly prevalent among young boys

reform

to make changes

China may not need to reform its industrial sphere

scandal

a case of wrongdoing that hurts someone's reputation

He has been at the centre of a political scandal

unmask

to expose something that is hidden

At the end of the play the villain is unmasked.