Meaning & Definition of word "Cheat"

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    Cheat

    /tʃiːt/

    noun:

    • 1. A person who acts dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage.
      • Example: He was labeled a cheat after being caught in the act of fraud.
    • 2. A trick or deception used to cheat someone.
      • Example: The magician's trick was just a cheat designed to mislead the audience.

    verb:

    • 1. To deceive or trick someone in order to gain an advantage.
      • Example: He cheated on the test by using his phone to look up answers.
    • 2. To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage.
      • Example: They were caught trying to cheat the system to get more benefits.
    • 3. To avoid something by using a deceitful method.
      • Example: She tried to cheat her way out of doing the homework.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'cheten' meaning to deceive or cheat, from Old French 'escheat' meaning to fall to or to become, derived from Latin 'cadere' meaning to fall.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    cheat death:

    To narrowly escape a situation that could have resulted in serious harm or death.

    cheat code:

    A code used in video games that enables players to gain advantages.

    cheat day:

    A planned day in a diet where one allows themselves to eat whatever they want.

    Related Words

    cheating:

    The act of deceiving or tricking someone.

    cheater:

    A person who cheats.

    unfaithful:

    Not loyal to a partner or spouse.

    Slang Meanings of cheat

    Meaning: To cut corners

    Example Sentence: He always wants to cheat the system.

    Meaning: To pull a fast one

    Example Sentence: She pulled a fast one on the whole team by cheating.