The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

defraud

IPA:

Dictionary definition of defraud

To deceive, trick, or swindle someone, typically with the intention of unlawfully obtaining money, assets, or other valuable possessions through fraudulent means.
"The businessman was convicted of attempting to defraud investors with a Ponzi scheme."

Detailed meaning of defraud

It involves engaging in dishonest or deceitful practices, such as making false representations, providing misleading information, or manipulating circumstances to exploit the trust or vulnerability of another person or entity. When someone defrauds another, they intentionally engage in fraudulent activities to gain personal or illicit financial benefit at the expense of the victim. This can include actions like forging documents, embezzling funds, using false identities, or engaging in Ponzi schemes. Defrauding is considered a serious offense and is punishable by law, as it undermines trust, compromises financial stability, and causes harm to individuals, businesses, or institutions that fall victim to such fraudulent practices.

Example sentences containing defraud

1. The scam artist defrauded unsuspecting victims by promising fake job opportunities.
2. She discovered that her trusted employee had been secretly defrauding the company for years.
3. The fraudulent contractor used forged documents to defraud clients and pocket the funds.
4. The company's CEO was accused of conspiring to defraud shareholders through insider trading.
5. The online retailer was caught defrauding customers by charging excessive fees.
6. The hacker managed to defraud numerous individuals by gaining unauthorized access to their bank accounts.

History and etymology of defraud

The verb 'defraud' has its etymological origins in Middle English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'defrauder,' which is derived from the Latin term 'fraudare.' In Latin, 'fraudare' is formed from 'fraus,' meaning 'fraud' or 'deceit.' Therefore, the etymology of 'defraud' conveys the idea of engaging in fraudulent or deceitful actions. It signifies the act of deceiving, tricking, or swindling someone with the intent of unlawfully obtaining money, assets, or other valuable possessions through fraudulent means. This word retains its historical connection to the concept of dishonesty and deceit, reflecting its roots in both Latin and Old French, where it was used to describe fraudulent activities.

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Further usage examples of defraud

1. The insurance fraudster intentionally caused a car accident to defraud the insurance company.
2. The art dealer was discovered to have sold counterfeit paintings, defrauding collectors and art enthusiasts.
3. The fake charity organization aimed to defraud kind-hearted donors by misusing the donated funds.
4. The con artist posed as a financial advisor to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings.
5. The scammer sent phishing emails in an attempt to defraud people of their personal information.
6. Perpetrators often defraud unsuspecting victims using sophisticated online scams.
7. The company's executives conspired to defraud investors of millions.
8. He attempted to defraud the insurance company with a fake claim.
9. The elaborate scheme aimed to defraud the government of tax revenue.
10. She fell victim to a clever con artist who defrauded her of her life savings.
11. The counterfeit product was designed to defraud consumers.
12. They conspired to defraud the bank through a complex financial fraud.
13. Detecting attempts to defraud customers is a priority for the cybersecurity team.
14. The Ponzi scheme defrauded thousands of people out of their investments.
15. The art forger managed to defraud collectors for years before being caught.
16. The scam artist used charm to defraud the elderly of their retirement funds.
17. The fraudulent charity was set up to defraud donors of their money.
18. He was arrested for attempting to defraud customers through false advertising.
19. The hackers sought to defraud individuals by stealing their personal information.
20. The counterfeit money was used to defraud businesses across the city.
21. The elaborate Ponzi scheme defrauded investors of billions.
22. The elaborate Ponzi scheme defrauded investors of billions.
23. She was sentenced to prison for her role in a massive healthcare fraud to defraud patients.
24. The elaborate Ponzi scheme defrauded investors of billions.
25. The elaborate Ponzi scheme defrauded investors of billions.