What is the origin of the idiom "hush money" and when to use it?

The idiom "hush money" originates from attempts to silence someone or prevent them from speaking out. It typically refers to money or other compensation paid to someone to keep them quiet, especially about illegal, embarrassing or incriminating information. It is used when describing situations where someone in a position of power or influence provides money or gifts to another to stop people from sharing information or accusations about them with the public.