graft
UK: ɡrɑːft | US: ɡræft
n. 1. A shoot or twig inserted into a slit on another plant to propagate growth.
n. 2. The act of gaining money or advantage through dishonest means, especially in politics.
vt. 1. To insert (a shoot or twig) as a graft.
vt. 2. To acquire money or benefits illicitly.
The word "graft" originates from Old English graft, meaning "a shoot or twig," likely related to the verb græfan ("to dig"). By the 19th century, it metaphorically extended to political corruption, possibly influenced by the idea of "inserting" illicit gains into one's wealth, much like grafting a shoot into a plant.
The gardener used a technique called grafting to combine two apple varieties.
The politician was accused of graft after accepting bribes.
He learned how to graft roses to improve their resilience.
Investigators uncovered a network of graft within the city council.
The documentary exposed decades of corporate graft in the industry.