Meaning & Definition of word "Counterfeit"

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    Counterfeit

    /ˈkaʊnərfɪt/

    noun:

    • 1. An imitation or a fake, especially of money or goods, that is made with the intent to deceive.
      • Example: The police seized a large amount of counterfeit that was being sold on the street.
    • 2. A fraudulent copy or imitation of something.
      • Example: The museum was shocked to discover that the painting was a counterfeit.

    verb:

    • 1. To imitate fraudulently; to make a copy of something with the intent to deceive.
      • Example: They were arrested for attempting to counterfeit the currency.
    • 2. To misrepresent something as being genuine.
      • Example: She was accused of counterfeiting her academic credentials.

    adjective:

    • 1. Made to look like something else; fake or artificial.
      • Example: The store was fined for selling counterfeit designer handbags.
    • 2. Not genuine; intended to deceive.
      • Example: He was warned against investing in counterfeit stocks.

    Etymology

    Late Middle English: from Old French 'contrefait', which means 'made in imitation'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    counterfeit money:

    Currency that is forged or artificially produced.

    counterfeit goods:

    Products that are made to look like real items but are fake.

    counterfeit identity:

    An assumed identity, often for fraudulent purposes.

    Related Words

    forgery:

    The act of falsifying documents, signatures, or artwork.

    fake:

    Something that is not genuine; a fraudulent imitation.

    fraud:

    Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

    Slang Meanings of counterfeit

    Meaning: counterfeiter

    Example Sentence: He's a skilled counterfeiter who creates fake bills.

    Meaning: knockoff

    Example Sentence: I bought a knockoff Gucci belt online.