Tribute (Noun)
Meaning 1
Payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence; "every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The gangster demanded a weekly tribute from the shopkeeper in exchange for not smashing his windows.
- Local business owners grudgingly paid a monthly tribute to the crime boss to avoid harassment.
- Extortion rackets thrive in the city, with gangs demanding tribute from vulnerable vendors.
- In the corrupt neighborhood, paying tribute to the mafia was just a normal cost of doing business.
- Refusal to pay the demanded tribute would result in "accidents" and other forms of intimidation.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Payment by one nation for protection by another.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The city-state paid an annual tribute to the powerful empire that surrounded it in exchange for protection from invasion.
- In medieval times, many small kingdoms were forced to pay tribute to their more powerful neighbors to avoid being conquered.
- The ancient Egyptians demanded tribute from the neighboring Nubians in the form of gold, ivory, and other precious commodities.
- After the war, the defeated nation was required to pay a heavy tribute to the victor for many years.
- The Chinese emperors received tribute from various neighboring kingdoms, including Korea and Vietnam, as a symbol of their suzerainty.
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Something given or done as an expression of esteem.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The singer performed a tribute to her favorite artist who had passed away, singing her hit songs in front of a sold-out crowd.
- The team dedicated their victory to their former coach, who had taught them the game and been a mentor to them all.
- The city built a monument as a tribute to the brave firefighters who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
- The charity gala was a tribute to the tireless work of volunteers who had dedicated their lives to helping those in need.
- The museum exhibition was a tribute to the life and work of the famous painter, showcasing his most famous works.