Definition of the word buy off

The phrase "buy off" originated in the mid-19th century, specifically around the 1850s, in reference to the bribing of officials or individuals in order to influence their decisions or silence their opposition. During this time, there was a common practice in various industries, including politics and business, of offering payments to individuals in positions of authority or influence in order to secure favorable outcomes or to prevent negative actions. These payments were often referred to as "bribes" or "gifts," but the term "buy off" emerged as a more modest-sounding euphemism that suggested a quid pro quo scenario whereby the payment was meant as a way to "buy" the other person's cooperation or silence. The use of the word "off" in this context is also potentially related to the way a commission or fee is paid to a professional, such as an officer or attorney, for their services. The concept of "buy[ing] off" someone can be seen as a way to pay off their "service" in a particular matter, whether that service is cooperation, silence, or simply the fulfillment of a desired outcome. In contemporary usage, the term "buy off" is still commonly used to describe the offering of bribes or payoffs in order to gain an advantage or prevent negative outcomes, although it has also taken on more metaphorical applications in areas such as PR and negotiation, where the idea of "buying off" an individual's criticism or concerns can be seen as a way to mitigate negative publicity or resolve conflicts.