Meaning & Definition of word "Imposter"
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Imposter
/ɪmˈpɒstə/
noun:
- 1. A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
- Example: The imposter posed as a doctor to gain access to the hospital.
- 2. Someone who assumes a false identity.
- Example: The imposter was eventually caught when he couldn't answer basic questions about the role he claimed to have.
- 3. A person who uses deception to achieve a personal or financial gain.
- Example: After months of investigation, the police arrested the imposter who had been scamming people out of money.
Etymology
From French 'imposteur', from Latin 'impostor', meaning 'one who imposes'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
imposter syndrome:
A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a 'fraud'.
imposter complex:
Feeling like a fraud or imposter despite evident success.
Related Words
fraud:
A deceptive practice intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain.
deceiver:
One who causes someone to believe something that is not true.
Slang Meanings of imposter
Meaning: Poser
Example Sentence: Don't be a poser; just be yourself.
Meaning: Fake
Example Sentence: That guy is such a fake; he's not who he claims to be.