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.