Bribery is the act of giving or receiving something of value, like money or gifts, to influence someone's actions or decisions. This often happens in situations where a person in power, such as a government official or business leader, can provide a benefit in exchange for the bribe. It is considered illegal and unethical because it undermines fairness and trust in systems like politics and business. When bribery occurs, it can lead to serious consequences, including legal penalties for those involved. It can also harm society by promoting corruption, where decisions are made based on personal gain rather than the common good. This can erode public confidence in institutions and create an uneven playing field for everyone.