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imposter

noun

/ɪmˈpɒs tər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of imposter

An individual who pretends to be someone else, typically with the intention of deceiving others.
"The imposter managed to convince everyone at the party that he was a famous actor."

Detailed meaning of imposter

This term commonly denotes a person who assumes a false identity, often adopting the appearance, behavior, or characteristics of another individual for personal gain or to carry out fraudulent activities. Imposters are skilled at creating a facade that convinces others of their authenticity, making it difficult for people to detect their true intentions or motives. They may deceive others for various reasons, such as financial gain, social manipulation, or the acquisition of sensitive information. Imposters can operate in different contexts, including professional settings, social interactions, or online platforms, where they exploit the trust and vulnerability of unsuspecting individuals. Identifying an imposter requires careful scrutiny and attention to inconsistencies or suspicious behavior, as their deceptive nature often allows them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Overall, an imposter is someone who cunningly assumes a false identity to deceive and manipulate others for personal advantage.

Example sentences containing imposter

1. The crew members were on high alert, knowing there was an imposter among them.
2. His credentials seemed genuine, but a closer look revealed that he was an imposter.
3. The detective uncovered the imposter’s true identity after weeks of investigation.
4. The village was shaken when they found out that the kind old man was actually an imposter.
5. She pretended to be a princess, but the royal family quickly discovered she was an imposter.
6. The imposter tried to infiltrate the organization, but the security measures were too tight.

History and etymology of imposter

The noun 'imposter' is thought to have originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the term 'impostor,' which comes from the Latin word 'impostor,' meaning 'deceiver' or 'imposer.' The Latin term was used to describe someone who pretended to be something or someone they were not, often with the intention of deceiving others. Over time, 'impostor' evolved into 'imposter' in English, retaining its fundamental meaning of an individual who assumes a false identity or persona to mislead or deceive others. The etymology of 'imposter' underscores its historical connection to deception and fraud, emphasizing its role in describing those who engage in acts of impersonation or deceit by presenting themselves as someone else.

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Further usage examples of imposter

1. In the game of deception, the imposter must be skilled in the art of lying.
2. The audience was captivated by the imposter’s thrilling tales of adventure, unaware they were all fabrications.
3. The police caught the imposter red-handed, trying to steal valuable artifacts from the museum.
4. It's amazing how the imposter gained access to the classified files without raising suspicions.
5. The novel’s plot revolved around an imposter who swapped places with the prince and ruled a kingdom.
6. The imposter claimed to be a long-lost relative.
7. Detecting the imposter was a challenge for the security team.
8. The imposter's disguise fooled everyone at the masquerade.
9. He was exposed as an imposter when his true identity was revealed.
10. The imposter infiltrated the organization to steal sensitive information.
11. Her keen intuition helped her uncover the imposter's true motives.
12. The imposter's audacity in impersonating the CEO was astonishing.
13. The imposter's fake credentials didn't stand up to scrutiny.
14. The imposter's behavior raised suspicions among the group.
15. The imposter's fake passport couldn't fool immigration officers.
16. The imposter's true identity was finally unmasked during the trial.
17. The imposter's web of lies began to unravel.
18. Her ability to spot an imposter was uncanny.
19. The imposter's charade was short-lived.
20. The imposter's actions had serious consequences for the organization.
21. He was arrested and charged as an imposter.
22. The imposter's deception shook the trust of the community.
23. The imposter's cunning tactics almost succeeded.
24. The imposter's scheme to steal her identity failed miserably.
25. The imposter's downfall was inevitable once the evidence emerged.