Meaning & Definition of word "Defraud"
to
Defraud
/dɪˈfrɔːd/
verb:
- 1. to illegally obtain money, assets, or services from someone through deception or trickery.
- Example: The con artist tried to defraud the elderly couple by convincing them to invest in a fake property scheme.
- 2. to deprive someone of something by deceit.
- Example: He was charged with defrauding the insurance company after submitting false claims.
- 3. to cheat or swindle someone out of their rights or possessions.
- Example: The scammer managed to defraud several people with his elaborate Ponzi scheme.
Etymology
From Latin 'defraudare', meaning 'to cheat, to rob'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
defraud the public:
To deceive the general public for personal gain.
defraud someone of something:
To take something away from someone through deception.
Related Words
fraud:
Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
deception:
The act of deceiving someone.
scam:
A dishonest scheme or fraud.
Slang Meanings of defraud
Meaning: Rip off
Example Sentence: He totally ripped me off with that fake watch.
Meaning: Con
Example Sentence: She conned him out of his savings.