HUSH MONEY Meaning and
Definition
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Hush money refers to a sum of money or compensation offered to someone in order to ensure their silence or to prevent them from disclosing certain information or engaging in certain activities that may be damaging or detrimental to a person, organization, or situation. The term is often used in the context of illicit or confidential matters, where the payment serves as an inducement or bribe to keep someone quiet.
The purpose of hush money is to maintain secrecy, avoid legal consequences, or protect one's reputation. It can be given in various forms, such as cash, gifts, or non-monetary benefits. This payment is typically made between two parties involved in a compromising situation, where one party offers the money and the other accepts it in exchange for their silence.
Hush money is commonly associated with illegal activities, scandals, bribery, or attempts to cover up misconduct. It may be employed by individuals involved in criminal enterprises, politicians entangled in scandals, or public figures seeking to hide personal affairs. However, hush money can also be used in legitimate circumstances, such as settling disputes confidentially or protecting trade secrets and sensitive information within the business world.
The legality of hush money can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific context in which it is utilized. In some cases, the payment of hush money may be considered a criminal offense, especially when it involves bribery or coercion.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HUSH MONEY
- gush money
- bush money
- nush money
- jush money
- uush money
- yush money
- hysh money
- hhsh money
- hjsh money
- hish money
- h8sh money
- h7sh money
- huah money
- huzh money
- huxh money
- hudh money
- hueh money
- huwh money
- husg money
Etymology of HUSH MONEY
The word "hush money" dates back to the mid-17th century and is derived from two distinct origins.
"Hush" originally comes from the Middle English word "husshe", which means silence or quietness. It later evolved into "hushen", meaning to become silent or be quiet. Thus, "hush" denotes the idea of keeping something quiet or secret.
The term "money" needs no introduction and represents a medium of exchange in the form of coins or banknotes.
When combined, "hush money" refers to a sum of money paid to someone in order to keep them from revealing certain information, maintaining secrecy, or remaining quiet on a particular matter.
Idioms with the word HUSH MONEY
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hush money
Hush money is a sum of money paid in secret to keep someone from disclosing information or to prevent them from speaking out about something, usually illegal or embarrassing.
Similar spelling words for HUSH MONEY
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