Defraud

/dɪˈfrɔːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to illegally obtain money, assets, or services from someone through deception or trickery.

The con artist tried to defraud the elderly couple by convincing them to invest in a fake property scheme.

to deprive someone of something by deceit.

He was charged with defrauding the insurance company after submitting false claims.

to cheat or swindle someone out of their rights or possessions.

The scammer managed to defraud several people with his elaborate Ponzi scheme.

From Latin 'defraudare', meaning 'to cheat, to rob'.

defraud the public

To deceive the general public for personal gain.

defraud someone of something

To take something away from someone through deception.

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.

Rip off

He totally ripped me off with that fake watch.

Con

She conned him out of his savings.