Meaning & Definition of word "Swindle"

Swindle

/ˈswɪndəl/

noun:

  • 1. A fraudulent or deceptive act or scheme.
    • Example: The swindle left many people devastated after they lost their investments.
  • 2. A person who swindles others.
    • Example: He was known as a notorious swindle in the underground gambling scene.

verb:

  • 1. To cheat or defraud someone of money or possessions.
    • Example: He swindled her out of her life savings with a fake investment scheme.
  • 2. To obtain (money or something of value) through deception.
    • Example: The con artist swindled several investors before being caught by the police.

Etymology

The word 'swindle' comes from the German 'swindeln', meaning 'to cheat'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to swindle someone out of something:

to cheat someone out of a possession or money

swindle a deal:

to deceitfully secure an advantageous deal

Related Words

fraud:

wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain

conman:

a person who cheats or tricks others by persuading them to believe something that is not true

hoax:

a humorous or malicious deception

Slang Meanings of swindle

Meaning: to pull a fast one

Example Sentence: He pulled a fast one, tricking her into giving him her bank details.

Meaning: to hustle

Example Sentence: They hustled him out of his money at the poker table.