abuse of office
Misusing governmental authority
Abuse of office is the improper use of a position of authority for personal gain or to harm others.
The phrase typically describes misconduct by government officials or corporate executives who exploit their power in ways that violate their duties: The mayor was charged with abuse of office after steering contracts to his brother's company.
The term implies betrayal of public trust rather than mere incompetence.
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- misconductImproper professional behavior
- briberyCorrupt payment for influence
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- graftIllicit political gain
nepotism · embezzlement · malfeasance · conflict of interest · scandal · kickbacks · cronyism · smoke-filled room · ethics · impeachment · violation · betrayal · trust · power · politician · sworn oath · breach of trust · investigation
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- ethics violationsbribery, bribes, kickbacks, kickback, nepotism
- government ethicsethics board, ethics committee, ethics rules, ethics violation, ethics violations
- church offensesheresy, apostasy, schism, blasphemy, sacrilege
- church scandalscover-up, cover-ups, coverups, sexual misconduct, molestation
abuse of officegood governance
Accountable, transparent institutional management
public service · incorruptibility · probity · servant leadership · uprightness
abuse of officetrustworthiness
Quality of being reliable
fiduciary duty · selfless service · acting in good faith · custodianship · stewardship
abuse of officecompliance
Adhering to requirements
rule of law · due process · transparency · accountability · fiduciary duty
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